In Somalia, humanitarian crises produce psychological suffering and trauma that threaten the health and well-being of affected people, especially women and girls. Years of war, poverty and gender-based violence have taken a serious toll on the mental health of many women and girls in Somalia. The climate change compounded the erosion of protection mechanisms and increased the vulnerability of women and girls to gender-based violence and harmful practices like child marriage. Mental health needs are serous, yet often overlooked – with staggering consequences. In Somalia’s tight-knit society, there is a misconception that mental health and psychological support is solely reserved for those dealing with severe conditions, leading many to hesitate to seek help when they most need it.
Throughout her career, Sundus Hussein (NoFYL’s psychosocial counsellor in Kismayo) has encountered many people in need of mental health support, but she believes that displaced women and girls are particularly vulnerable, grappling with mental distress. Together with her team, she provides a wide range of services, including one-on-one counselling, individual & group psychosocial sessions, psychoeducation, group discussions, and other psychosocial activities. These teams are instrumental in delivering vital mental health and psychosocial support to displaced women and girls.
“The displacement and deteriorating living conditions have significantly exacerbated the mental health status of many women we encounter,” Sundus explains. “Many come to us in critical stages, having exhausted almost all available resources and facing dire setbacks. It’s crucial that we stand by them during this time.”
Amino* has experienced these stresses first-hand. At just 18 years old, Amino had expected to be overwhelmed with the excitement of her new marriage with the man he loved. Instead, she is consumed with anxiety for her future. The abuse began subtly, with her husband abusing and demeaning her, which gradually escalated to physical violence. He beat her severely, leaving her bruised and terrified.
Emotional distress gradually crept into Amino’s life, leading to her to sever connections with others, and lose interest in daily routines. Confronted with this situation, Amino felt a profound sense of helplessness, each passing day darker than the last. With her anxiety and stress levels soaring, she decided to flee to her parents, but they kept sending her back to her husband, who promised to change. However, the devastating cycle of abuse continued. It left her in a state of depression so deep that, for the first time, she had difficulty eating and sleeping.
“When we first met her, Amino was in a miserable condition,” says Sundus. “She was overwhelmed with worry for herself and that of her children,” Sundus adds. The PSS counselors welcomed her with open arms, offering a safe and non-judgmental space to heal. Amid her ordeal, Amino found solace in the NoFYL’s psychosocial support. NoFYL facilitated individual counseling, then group counseling, support groups and medical assistance for her.”
Slowly, but surely, Amino began to glimpse the light at the end of the tunnel. After attending multiple psychosocial sessions, she was able to improve her mental health situation. “I became less worried and felt more capable and confident,” she said. “There was a huge difference in the way I was treated when I met NoFYL. Also through group counselling with other women, I get to hear stories of women who were going through similar situations and it made me realize I was not alone. It changed my mind a lot.”
In all, Amino received more than a dozen psychosocial support sessions that helped her overcome her stress and trauma. She managed to carve out a semblance of stability and is now recuperating at her parents home.
The Integrated GBV & CP program in Kismayo is supported by Somalia Humanitarian Fund (SHF).
