The need for mental health and psychosocial support during and after displacement crises is increasingly recognized, yet it is often sidelined in humanitarian responses. A recent online discussion, organized by The New Humanitarian, highlighted this issue, focusing on Lebanon’s ongoing displacement crisis, which saw nearly one million people displaced amid Israeli bombings late last year.
Moderated by Annie Slemrod, editor at The New Humanitarian and director of The Lebanon Displacement Diaries, the conversation brought together experts working on the ground in Lebanon. Panelists included Zainab Chamoun, a journalist and coordinator of the Lebanon Displacement Diaries; Jasmin Lilian Diab, director of the Institute for Migration Studies at Lebanese American University; Sarah Mawed, gender-based violence protection officer at the Danish Refugee Council (DRC); and Mona Sawli, mental health officer with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Lebanon.
Chamoun, herself displaced by the violence, noted that displaced people often expressed deep emotional distress. Many shared stories of the immense loss they had suffered, not only losing loved ones but also their homes, routines, and a sense of safety. Sawli emphasized that individuals were facing multiple traumas, including loss of community and security. The emotional toll was clear, but not everyone had equal access to mental health services.
Diab highlighted that marginalized groups, such as people with disabilities, LGBTQI+ individuals, and refugees from Syria and Palestine, faced even greater challenges in accessing support. These groups often encountered a lack of mental health resources, compounded by the stigma surrounding mental health care.
Despite the overwhelming need, aid responses to Lebanon’s mental health crisis were delayed and disorganized. Mawed observed that many displaced people were reluctant to discuss their trauma immediately, though they were eventually able to speak about challenges like anxiety, family conflicts, and parenting issues. While some people wanted to talk about their recent trauma, others avoided it, indicating that people might need time before they are ready to process their grief and loss.
Access to support was also influenced by individuals’ backgrounds and experiences. Mawed noted that refugees who had been in Lebanon for an extended period were often more comfortable seeking help, whereas those newly displaced were less likely to identify themselves as people in need. Cultural factors also played a role. Chamoun explained that in her community, the stigma surrounding seeking professional help meant that people often turned to religion for comfort rather than mental health services.
The discussion also addressed the long-term nature of displacement crises. The majority of aid programs are funded for short-term responses, leaving many displaced people without continued support once the immediate crisis subsides. In Lebanon, where the traumatic events continue, this creates a significant gap in mental health services.
Mawed argued for more sustainable, community-driven solutions. She emphasized the need for local people to lead their own healing processes, addressing collective trauma through shared spaces and communal efforts. This approach contrasts with the typical aid model, which often involves external organizations imposing pre-packaged solutions.
Diab pointed out that the mental health needs of marginalized communities remain largely unaddressed, with many of the organizations providing support facing severe resource limitations. These groups often operate with limited funding, leaving them unable to meet the scale of the need.
The conversation also shed light on the emotional toll that those providing aid experience. Chamoun shared that during her work collecting stories of displacement, she often felt the weight of her own trauma. The emotional burden on aid workers and volunteers is an overlooked issue, with many feeling the strain of repeatedly engaging with the trauma of others. It is essential to support these helpers as well, to ensure they can continue their vital work without being overwhelmed by their own emotional toll.
The discussion made it clear that while mental health support is crucial during displacement crises, it is often the first area to suffer when funding is cut or aid priorities shift. Sustainable, long-term solutions are needed, not only to address the mental health needs of displaced people but also to support those who step in to help them.
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