On the 4th August, an explosion resulted in a tragic disaster in the city of Beirut, Lebanon. There were numerous casualties and witnesses of whom may face trauma for years to come. The mental health of the those in the country, which had already taken a toll ever since the long nine-month economic crisis, took an even heavier blow, making the already dire conditions worse. The economic crisis also made healthcare a struggle to access, and the explosion just added fuel to the fire of this burning city. In addition to that, amidst the chaos that is going on in Beirut, mental health can often be forgotten as physical injuries are given more of a priority. During these difficult times, it is essential to provide the right psychological aid for victims to cope with what they have viewed in order to prevent long-standing mental health damage, which may develop into mental health disorders.
Who should you contact?
Embrace Lebanon, a non-profit organization focused on raising awareness of mental health issues in Lebanon, is working on arranging the necessary psychological first aid, which they refer to as “providing humane support to another human being who is suffering.” The organization has also established a national hotline to serve as an active platform for psychological support and suicide prevention. Not only can you donate, but you can also volunteer at embracelebanon.org to advocate for mental health awareness or even become a lifeline operator.
Lebanon: How can you help?
According to Embrace Lebanon, the first step is to provide immediate needs that are lacking: food, medicine, shelter, and clothing. The next step is to ensure that they are not in harm’s way and to supply legal aid if necessary. The third step is to ask the person what may be needed without intruding. At this stage, it is important to tread carefully and avoid questions that may involve details of the painful event as it may be distressing. Step four involves creating a comfortable atmosphere in which they can feel calm; this can be done through moral support. A listening ear really comes in handy in cases like this. Informing them of all the services available and connecting them with people who can provide more aid is crucial. Lastly, ensure that they are aware of the national lifeline for psychological aid: 1564.
Direct Links
Donations: https://embracelebanon.org/donate-to-embrace/
Volunteer: https://embracelebanon.org/become-a-volunteer/
Lifeline Operator: https://embracelebanon.org/become-a-lifeline-operator/