Mental Health Services Focused on the youth in Tigray

An article about the genocide in Tigray by - the world published in 2021- discusses the impact of the war on civilians, particularly children. The genocidal war has caused widespread displacement and suffering and has led to the destruction of hospitals and other infrastructure. The study also found that the genocide has had a significant impact on the mental health of young people, with many reporting symptoms of anxiety and depression.

There is a growing body of research on the impact of the Tigray genocidal war on young people. A study by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in 2020 found that over 2 million children have been displaced by the genocide and that many are at risk of malnutrition and disease. 

This is particularly pertinent considering research on the age of the onset of mental health as well as the relationship between conflict and mental health. 

Age and mental health

An article by Kessler and Ustun identifies the age of onset of mental disorders. According to this research, the median age of onset is much earlier for phobias and impulse-control disorders (7-15 years old) than for other anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and substance use disorders (18-29 years old). Half of all lifetime mental disorders start by the mid-teens and three-fourths by the mid-20s. Early onset is associated with greater disorder severity, persistence, and lack of treatment response. More research focused on age segmentation is needed in Tigray but the assumption is that similar results are likely.

Mental Health and Conflict

Aside from age, another article by Kessler et al. discusses the prevalence of mental disorders in conflict settings. They found that the prevalence of mental disorders in conflict-affected populations is high, at 22.1%. The most common disorders were depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The authors also found that the burden of mental disorders is high in these populations. They conclude by calling for urgent action to address this burden.

This finding is consistent with previous research, which has found that the prevalence of mental disorders in conflict-affected populations is significantly higher than in the general population. For example, a study by the World Health Organization (WHO) found that the prevalence of depression in conflict-affected populations is 20%, compared to 6.6% in the general population.

The high prevalence of mental disorders in conflict-affected populations is likely due to several factors, including exposure to violence, trauma, and displacement. These factors can have a significant impact on mental health and can lead to the development of mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

The burden of mental disorders in conflict-affected populations is also high. Mental disorders can have a significant impact on individuals' lives, leading to problems such as social isolation, unemployment, and physical health problems. Mental disorders can also make it difficult for people to cope with the challenges of living in a conflict setting. These findings are more than likely not going to be divergent than in Tigray.

The young, humanitarian aid and social services in Tigray

Another study, by the World Food Programme (WFP), published on January 2022, found that over 5 million people in Tigray were facing severe food insecurity. The WFP also found that the war has disrupted education and healthcare services, and has made it difficult for young people to access essential services. This combined with the prevalence and impact of mental disorders on young people in wars shows the dire conditions.

Conclusion

The genocidal war on Tigray has had a devastating impact on young people in the region. The conflict has caused widespread displacement, suffering, and trauma. It has also disrupted education and healthcare services and has made it difficult for young people to access essential services. 

The high prevalence of mental illnesses particularly among the youth in Tigray highlights the need for increased and youth-focused investment in mental health services. Second, mental health services should be integrated into other humanitarian interventions, such as food security and shelter programs. Third, there should be a holistic service integrating education and employment opportunities. Finally, there is a need to address the stigma associated with mental illness. 

Betancourt, T.S., Keegan, K., Farrar, J. et al. The intergenerational impact of war on mental health and psychosocial wellbeing: lessons from the longitudinal study of war-affected youth in Sierra Leone. Confl Health 14, 62 (2020).

Kessler RC, Ustun TB. The World Mental Health (WMH) Survey Initiative Version of the World Health Organization (WHO) Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI). Int J Methods Psychiatr Res. 2004;13:93–121.

Kessler, Ronald C., et al. "New WHO Prevalence Estimates of Mental Disorders in Conflict Settings: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis." The Lancet, vol. 394, no. 10195, 2019, pp. 97-109. ScienceDirect, doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(19)30934-1. Accessed 31 Oct. 2023.

https://www.unicef.org/press-releases/23-million-children-tigray-region-ethiopia-need-humanitarian-assistance-thousands

https://www.wfp.org/news/severe-hunger-tightens-grip-northern-ethiopia.

https://theworld.org/stories/2021-06-07/rising-anger-youth-get-caught-tigray-war