This research paper highlights contextual experiences and expressions of mental health and well-being in Eastern Libya with a view to informing delivery of contextually appropriate mental health services and psychosocial support programmes.
This research paper was commissioned by Peaceful Change initiative (PCi) as part of the project “Post Disaster Relief Support in East Libya”, which is funded by Action Deutschland Hilft (ADH) via funding administered by Help – Hilfe zur Selbsthilfe. The research paper was prepared by Dr. Faiza Alabdullah in close collaboration with the Libyan National Authority for Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (NAMHPSS) and the newly established Psychological Support and Rehabilitation Centre in Derna.
Using a mixed methods approach reaching 236 respondents from Derna and its surrounds, the research explores how communities in eastern Libya experience mental health and psychosocial challenges with a view to informing the development of contextually appropriate and targeted mental health services and psychosocial support programmes.
The findings of the research reveal complex, interconnected perceptions that demonstrate how psychological, social, cultural, and religious factors interact to shape both individual and collective experiences following the crisis. Mental well-being concepts are not understood in isolation but are closely tied to stability and meeting basic needs. The results show distinct differences in how different genders and age groups express suffering and cope with challenges, while highlighting powerful social stigma that prevents people from accessing support, particularly affecting women and men constrained by traditional roles.
The findings also identify valuable social and cultural resources that could be leveraged, including informal networks, religious institutions, and local initiatives, despite ongoing challenges related to service access and trust. There is a critical need to expand and develop mental health services that respect cultural and social contexts while making inclusive and sustainable use of available resources.
Availability: The paper is available in English and Arabic on the links below
