Syrian Youth, War, and Community Approach to Stigma Surrounding Psychological Intervention

Introduction

Although a global phenomenon, stigma impacts societies on various levels and in different ways. Stigma surrounding mental illness and psychological interventions is discussed in this chapter. It will address why mental illness is stigmatised and how this may discourage individuals with mental illness to seek help and support. The chapter will discuss how this situation may amount to disorder and deviance in societies that were and are hit by wars and conflicts. This chapter will discuss why countries that emerge from prolonged civil wars need to provide their citizens with adequate mental health services and make a reference to Syria as a case-study. It will demonstrate an association between mental disorders and violence which threatens the stability, national security and the aspired recovery of the country. The chapter will refer to young people as they are the future in process and the makers of the future change in Syria. However, rather than listing or discussing solutions, the chapter will take a community approach to stigma and discuss how a shift in the way the Syrian society view and approach mental illness is necessary to alleviate stigma and its impact. It will also show how minority groups among the Syrian youth are subject to an aggravated level of stigma. In doing so, the chapter will address various social concepts such as youth, masculinity, community and society.