Ruba*, an 11-year-old girl displaced from Iraq’s Anbar province, currently lives in an overpopulated camp in northeast Syria. With over 41,000 residents as of June 2024—93% of whom are women and children—the camp is undergoing a mental health crisis.

The women, men and children of the camp continue to face a dire lack of basic necessities such as clean water, adequate shelter and sanitation facilities, as well as dependable and secure health and educational systems. With no guaranteed security of basic human rights, mental health conditions continue to worsen.

Ruba holds her mother's hands as they walk through the refugee camp they live in.
Ruba* and her mother Hana* walking out of the IRC healthcare center of the refugee camp.
Photo: Frontline in focus for the IRC

Rania*, who is a psychological counselor for the IRC’s Health Care Centre supported by the European Union (EU) at the camp, tells us about the problems she observes in her patients: “The majority of cases I encounter are cases of depression. Anxiety and depression resulting from pressure and trauma they've experienced, which has led the illness to deeper levels. These are the prevalent cases: depression, epilepsy and schizophrenia.”

The International Rescue Committee’s (IRC) health officer, Dr. Rateb*, who is responsible for administrative and technical supervision of services at the IRC health clinics within the camp, including those supported by the European Union, tells us about the dire situation. He explains how the limited resources within the camp’s healthcare infrastructure have led to gaps in the aid provided to its diverse inhabitants. “There is a high demand for psychological health services,” he says.

Ruba is one of the young patients followed by Rania and Dr Rateb. She suffered a traumatic incident at the camp, which left her with crippling anxiety. Just like many other young children, being displaced from her home due to the war and being exposed to traumatic events through the process has severely affected Ruba’s mental health.

Ruba’s mother brought her to the IRC care centre so she could get help. Thanks to counseling sessions with Samia, a psychological specialist with the IRC, they were able to address her anxiety before the symptoms could worsen. With dedicated effort and care, Ruba’s confidence grew as her fears subsided.

Ruba draws a painting on a piece of paper.
The IRC clinic provides many activities—such as art making—for the children who visit.
Photo: Frontline in focus for the IRC

Observing such bleak conditions, the IRC with the support of the European Union is trying to meet the high demand for mental health services at their established care center within the camp. Dr. Rateb explains, “We have a psychiatrist covering two days per month for cases requiring specialized treatment, and we also have a mental health counselor. The total consultations we provide daily at the fixed EU-supported clinic alone range from 100 to 150 consultations.” This causes a great strain on the care centre, which, the doctor tells us, is under extreme pressure from growing needs and concerns. Sometimes they have to rely on the clinics of other facilities whenever possible. Sustained humanitarian aid is still required to cover the burdened systems in place.

Photo of the inside of the IRC Healthcare Center at the refugee camp, Syria.
The IRC Healthcare Center at the refugee camp, Syria.
Photo: Frontline in focus for the IRC

Ruba’s mental health, meanwhile, has improved immensely, showing how vital such psychological services are. Smiling, she tells us, “​​I help my mom; I wash the dishes, clean the tent and the house.” Even at the age of 11 she’s aware of how helping with chores can ease her mother’s stress. She once again finds joy in playing with her friends, siblings, and her cherished toy—whom she lovingly calls Eilaf.

A collection of artworks hang on the wall at the IRC healthcare center.
Artworks created by the residents participating in mental health sessions at the IRC Healthcare Center, supported by the European Union.
Photo: Frontline in focus for the IRC

Ruba aspires to become a psychological therapist when she grows up, hoping to empower young children just as she was empowered. She says,  “I want to become like Miss Rania. She taught me and helped me.”
*Names have been changed for privacy.

About our work with the European Union

The International Rescue Committee partners with the European Union to provide life-saving support to people caught in conflict and disasters around the world. Our work funded by the EU enables people to survive, recover and rebuild their lives.