Post-Beirut Blast: The importance of mental health services, now more than ever
Analysis by Serine Itani, Contributor
September 3rd, 2020
They say time heals old wounds. Yet such a saying does not seem to be applicable to the city of Beirut. Not one bit. As a matter of fact, Beirut keeps on proving us otherwise. It appears like new wounds keep adding to old scars with the most recent and deep of wounds being the devastating blast that took place in Beirut almost a month ago.
The 4th of August – a haunting date for all of us - was the breaking point for the people in Lebanon. A date which has left more than 300,000 people homeless, almost 200 dead and thousands injured.[1] A date that has shocked the world and left many individuals mourning the loss of their loved ones.
One thing is clear, we are not okay! The country has not only collapsed physically, but its people seem to be on the verge of a psychological collapse as well. We are not okay physically, mentally nor emotionally. We are broken and in agonizing pain.
We need to stop glorifying the resilience of the Lebanese people. We are traumatized and we must stop normalizing our traumas and face the facts: We need psychological help now more than ever.
The triple crisis which comprised a recession, an economic collapse and a pandemic was already enough to create disastrous and long-term mental health effects. Now, with the most recent and tragic disaster this triple crisis has augmented to a quadruple crisis producing even more catastrophic psychological consequences.
“Unfortunately, the people of Lebanon are still trying to come into terms with the distressing event that occurred a few weeks ago. The majority are displaying alarming symptoms of trauma. We need mental health services now as ever needed before.” says Dr. Vanessa Mourtada, a Clinical Psychologist employed at the Dar Al Amal Association in Beirut.
Alongside Dr. Mourtada, a large number of Psychologists and Mental Health Experts have been advocating the psychological effects post-explosion, with trauma being one of the major symptoms. This has fortunately created awareness regarding the sensitive subject, and has led to several individuals and centers to generously offer their mental health services (free of charge) for the victims to seek.
“… This tragic event has revealed that we are all human. We are all traumatized to a certain degree and we are all suffering from what happened. It is crucial to know that it is our right to ask for help and support. It is after all, the first step towards healing, washing away our suffering and taking care of our mental health.”
Some of the major effects being experienced range from collective trauma, survivor’s guilt, high level of anxiety and even post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD).
It is of severe importance to recognize and acknowledge what we are feeling, in order to effectively work on the healing process.
Here is a list of 10 individuals/centers that are offering free psychological help at the moment:
1. IDRAAC: Free Mental Health Walk-in Clinic
Instagram: @idraac_ngo
Contact information: 76 10 05 76
Email: idraac@idraac.org
Website: www.idraac.org
Location: Beirut
IDRAAC is in partnership with Saint George Hospital University Medical Center. They are offering free Mental Health walk-in sessions, from Monday to Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm and on Saturdays from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm (local time) at the Saint George Hospital University Medical Center in Ashrafieh.
2. RDFL
Instagram: @rdflwomen
Contact information / hotline: 71 500 808
Locations: Furn Chebbak / Tripoli / Baalbeck / Ksarnaba / Zouk Mikael.
In light of these challenging times that Lebanon is facing, RDFL, a feminist NGO, is continuing to provide psychological and social support services both over the phone and through its centers spread across all Lebanon regions.
3. Embrace Lebanon
Instagram: @embrace_lebanon
Contact information: 81 003 870
Hotline: 1564
Embrace Lebanon, known for its suicide prevention hotline, has launched a free center which will provide mental health services for all the victims that have been affected. Contact them for appointments on 81 003 870.
4. Blue Mission Lebanon
Instagram: @bluemissionlb
Contact information: 07 732 636
Location: Saida
Blue Mission Lebanon, situated in Saida, is also amongst the centers offering free psychological help. They are a committed team that is aiming to support all victims that are struggling to cope from traumatic events.
5. SIDC Lebanon
Instagram: @sidc.lebanon
Contact information: 01 482 428 / 01 491 705
Website: info@sidc-lebanon.org
Free hotline: 76 028 221
SIDC, located in Sin El Fil, is offering free psychological and psychiatric sessions if you are between 14-28-year-old.
6. International Medical Corps
Instagram: @internationalmedicalcorps
Contact information: 76 945 445
The International Medical Corps offer free psychotherapy and psychiatry services all over Lebanon. Contact them on 76 945 445 for more information and for directions to their nearest branch.
7. Himaya
Instagram: @himayaleb
Email: info@himaya.org
Contact information/hotlines: 03 414 964 - 79 300 410 - 79 300 419 - 71 802 883 - 78 450 753.
Location: Several branches across Lebanon.
Himaya is a trusted NGO that has been striving in fighting child abuse. The recent circumstances have allowed them to launch more support services for both parents and children. They can be contacted through their hotlines where they will be providing their psychological services as well as direct you to their nearest branch.
8. Doctor Chantale Marie
Contact information: lebanon@chantalemarie.com
Doctor Chantale Marie, who is an addiction specialist, is running free trauma therapy services for the survivors of the Beirut explosion. Contact her email for more information.
9. Medecins du monde
Contact information: 01 832 901 / 01 832 900
Location: Beirut / Bekaa.
Medecins du monde is an organization offering free psychotherapy and psychiatry services. It has branches both in Beirut and Bekaa.
10. Caritas
Contact information: 01 499 767
Website: http://caritas.org.lb/get_involved /
Email: info@caritas.org.lb
Locations: Saida/ Zahle / Sin El Fil.
Last but not least, Carlitas is another organization who is generously offering free psychotherapy including trauma therapy. They have several branches scattered across different regions in Lebanon.
The people of Lebanon have faced atrocities beyond words. It is crucial to break the stigma associated with mental health issues and seek the help that is much needed. We must no longer turn a blind-eye on the traumas that have haunted both the older and newer generations for decades. We must face our feelings and learn to heal with the support of others, but most importantly, we must remember that we are not alone.
Reference
The people of Beirut urgently need mental health services | Metro News. Metro.co.uk. (2020). Retrieved 23 August 2020, from https://metro.co.uk/2020/08/07/mental-health-beirut-13094369/.
Beirut death toll over 200 as top Lebanon officials continue to resign. New York Post. (2020). Retrieved 23 August 2020, from https://nypost.com/2020/08/10/beirut-death-toll-over-200-lebanon-officials-continue-to-quit/.
[1] ("Beirut death toll over 200 as top Lebanon officials continue to resign", 2020)