My name is Lynn Karanja. I am from Kenya and I serve as an international UN Volunteer with the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) in Ethiopia. As an Associate Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Officer, I engage directly with forcibly displaced people, government representatives, and healthcare professionals. My primary responsibility is to enhance the capacity of UNHCR and its partners to deliver quality mental health and psychosocial support services to refugees and their host communities.
Through community interviews, group activities, and dialogue sessions, I often gain insight into the unique mental health and psycho-social needs of community members, many times in dire situations. These interactions not only inform our programming but also foster a sense of belonging and support within the community.
One of our key achievements has been the development of comprehensive mental health and psychosocial strategies, such as the one implemented across all regions of Ethiopia. Our efforts have not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by the reduction in stigma surrounding mental health and the strengthened referral pathways to mental health services in locations where we work.
In 2023 alone, we engaged over 2300 community members in discussions on mental health and provided counseling to 500 forcibly displaced persons. Additionally, more than 600 individuals received clinical consultations, leading to improved mental wellbeing among refugees and their host communities in Ethiopia.
One particularly impactful case is that of Flora (name changed for privacy), a 23-year-old woman who experienced multiple displacements due to war. At first, from her country of origin and then, in the country of asylum. In 2022, when Flora and her mother fled to get asylum, they were both sexually and physically abused by unknown men.
On my first meeting with Flora, she expressed feelings of hopelessness and helplessness. The trauma of war and abuse had deeply scarred her. As a single parent taking care of several children and without family and external support, everything seemed overwhelming. She even tried attempting suicide several times.
Flora and her family consented to counseling provided by the Center for Victims of Torture.
To heal the family, her mother was also coached on ways to support Flora and her children. Through the mental health and psychosocial support working group set up by UNHCR, we established a strong referral pathway and complementary services including health and provision of non-food items.
Flora and her mother were enrolled in group mental health counseling sessions where they received support from counselors and fellow group members.
During follow-up sessions with Flora, she reports feeling less overwhelmed. She is also less isolated. Flora has a good relationship with her mother and her children now. Two of her children are currently enrolled in school. She is also excited about possible resettlement, having attended pre-screening for the resettlement process by UNHCR.
Through our interventions, Flora received the support she needed to overcome her challenges and rebuild her life. This demonstrates the transformative power of mental health and psychosocial support services.
Challenges remain, including limited resources and the ongoing displacement crises, but our commitment to empowering communities and reducing mental health stigma is unwavering. The workload is heavy, but stories such as those of Flora are worth all the effort. Strong team support, from colleagues and leadership, has been essential in ensuring we deliver our services effectively.
My supervisor and Senior Protection Officer at UNHCR, Mwongeli Makau, notes that our efforts have been instrumental in 'demystifying' mental health and psychosocial support interventions and fostering understanding among stakeholders.
Reflecting on my journey, I am proud to see mental health conversations becoming more commonplace and impactful among refugees and their communities. Witnessing individuals regain their zest for life after traumatizing experiences reaffirms the importance of our work.
Volunteering has been a deeply enriching experience, allowing me to connect with diverse communities and make a tangible difference in people's lives. It is a reminder that kindness and empathy can truly transform individuals and communities alike.