In Northeast Syria, years of conflict, displacement and economic instability have deeply affected communities, leaving many families struggling to meet basic needs. Women, in particular, face many challenges, bearing emotional, social and financial burdens while navigating restrictive traditions and social norms. The loss of a family member or breadwinner can have devastating psychological effects, often leading to grief, depression and social isolation.
Despite the growing need for mental health support, stigma and limited access to mental health services prevent many from seeking help. Families often turn to traditional or spiritual remedies, which can delay proper care. Within this challenging context, community-based mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) services play a vital role in restoring well-being, promoting resilience and helping people regain stability and hope.
Hala is a 38-year-old mother of three. She lives with her two sons and daughter near the Jabaar Primary Healthcare Center (PHCC), which International Medical Corps supports, with funding from the European Union. She lived happily with her family, working hard to provide them with a safe and secure home, and dreaming big for her children’s future. But her life changed when her husband passed away from a sudden stroke. The grief affected Hala’s mental and physical health, despite the continuous support from her family and children. Over time, her psychological symptoms of sadness, overthinking, nightmares, withdrawal and isolation, and low self-esteem worsened, affecting her daily life. Her family initially sought spiritual and traditional remedies, such as offering prayers and other rituals, but these did not help.
Hala’s family took her to the Jabaar PHCC after learning about the mental health services we provide from community members. Hala was initially hesitant to visit the PHCC due to the fear of stigma and social norms. However, after our MHPSS team assured her of confidentiality, she agreed to utilize the services.
During her first contact with the MHPSS case manager, Hala appeared visibly exhausted and sad, and avoided eye contact. She reported headaches, back pain, loss of appetite, poor sleep and persistent sadness, along with fear of her children’s future. She withdrew from social interactions as she blamed herself for her husband’s death—people around her thought that her husband’s stroke was possibly due to marital stress. Additionally, she felt overwhelmed by the responsibilities of domestic chores, taking care of her children and providing for her family.
The MHPSS case manager used some tools from the World Health Organization’s mental health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP) to assess Hala’s mental health. He diagnosed her with moderate depression related to her loss, but decided to avoid medication at this stage. Instead, he designed a holistic psychosocial support plan addressing Hala’s emotional, social and physical well-being. The treatment aimed to help her understand depression, develop healthy coping mechanisms, challenge negative thoughts, rebuild communication with her children, and gradually return to her favorite activities. Throughout the sessions, Hala received psychoeducation about depression. She learned that with continuous support and determination, she could overcome her challenges and bring about positive changes in her life. She started managing stress and anxiety more effectively through relaxation and mindfulness exercises. Cognitive restructuring sessions helped her challenge negative beliefs and reduce self-blame, while family-communication activities strengthened her bond with her children.
“I now feel capable of facing life differently. Life has become brighter for me and my children.”
– Hala
As she gradually re-engaged in her daily life, and started walking and doing light exercises, her mood and confidence improved noticeably. By the final session, Hala was more optimistic, emotionally balanced and socially active.
Early diagnosis and holistic psychosocial support restored Hala’s hope and gave her stability, highlighting the critical role of community mental health programs. The MHPSS case manager encouraged Hala to continue practicing relaxation and mindfulness techniques, maintain her daily routines and social engagement, and return to the PHCC for follow-up psychological support whenever she needed. Thanks to the dedication of the case management team and structured intervention, Hala regained hope and control over her life.
