Strengthening mental health and psychosocial support in Turkey

Context

The violent conflict in Syria and the associated refugee crisis are affecting the entire region. There are currently around 2.9 million Syrian refugees living in Türkiye. Many of them suffer from psychological stress due to traumatic experiences before and during their flight. On top of this, they face challenges in the host country such as existential fears, difficulties in integration, loneliness as well as tensions with the host population.

In February 2023, a severe earthquake in Türkiye claimed the lives of tens of thousands of people, leaving millions homeless and without a livelihood. The psychological effects on refugees and residents of the host communities range from grief, despair and anger to post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety disorders, depression and suicides.

The fall of the Assad regime in December 2024 triggers contradictory emotions in Syrian refugees: Happiness, insecurity and the fear of being left with nothing again when they return.

People's ability to survive and overcome crises depends largely on how they cope with these psychological burdens in their everyday lives.

Objective

Syrian refugees and residents of host communities in Turkey receive better care in the field of mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS).

Approach

The project improves the quality of and access to MHPSS services. To this end, it works with government and civil society partners to develop needs-based and context-sensitive strategies. It also networks relevant actors from government, civil society and academia with a view to strengthening the integrated provision of MHPSS services. In addition, the project provides training to develop the capacities of MHPSS and non-MHPSS specialists and interpreters who work in psychological, psychiatric and psychosocial counselling.

Last update: March 2025