Severe mental disorders in complex emergencies

People with severe mental disorders are a neglected and vulnerable group in complex emergencies. Here, we describe field experiences in establishing mental health services in five humanitarian settings. We show data to quantify the issue, and suggest reasons for this neglect. We then outline the actions needed to establish services in these settings, including the provision of practical training, medication, psychosocial supports, and, when appropriate, work with traditional healers.

Intervention Healing communities by strengthening social capital: a Narrative Theatre approach

Chapter 1: What is Narrative Theatre: an introduction to the approach and conceptual framework

The effects of trauma on community life

Combining qualitative and quantitative research methods to support psychosocial and mental health programmes in complex emergencies. Introduction to this Special Issue

This special edition of Intervention is dedicated to applied research in the field of mental health and psychosocial wellbeing. Here ‘applied’ refers to research useful in programme design, monitoring and evaluation. The issue focuses on disasters and complex emergencies, because conducting research and interventions under these conditions is one of the field’s major challenges.

Expulsion of Burundian refugees from Tanzania: experiences with the use of the IASC Guidelines on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergency Settings

The IASC Guidelines on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergency Settings were helpful in organizing mental health and psychosocial support services for Burundians who were expelled from Tanzania. Key aspects of the guidelines were the restoration of social support for people in acute distress, the use of Psychological First Aid, and the provision of care for those with pre-existing mental health problems.

Community based sociotherapy in Byumba, Rwanda

A community based sociotherapy programme was implemented in the North of Rwanda in 200.5. This article describes the background of sociotherapy, explains its principles and application in the rapy for refugees in the Netherlands, and gives a justification for the introduction of the approach in a particular setting in post war and post genocide Rwanda. It then focuses on the development of the programme in this setting and addresses recruitment criteria for facilitators.

From War to the Rule of Law : Peace Building after Violent Conflicts

War, civil war and other political violence often revisit countries after brief periods of ‘peace’ or armistice. Some countries are ravaged by multifarious violent conflict during two to four decades. Many cease-fires and peace agreements do not cure the underlying social pathology which led to the bloodshed in the first place. I started this study to explore how a country which has gone through civil war might be helped to avoid the next war.

 

The Nonviolent Peaceforce in Sri Lanka: methods and impact (September 2003-January 2006)

Since 2003 the Nonviolent Peaceforce (NP) in Sri Lanka has aimed to increase the safety of civilians in Sri Lanka so that they can contribute to a lasting peace that includes a sense ofjustice.The NP has effectively assisted people to move to safer places, and supported people in interactions with authorities. The NP has also contributed to defusing ongoing violence and preventing further violence within specific situations.

The reintegration of teenage girls and young women

Women combatants are not a homogeneous group. The current approach of many Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) programmes is inappropriate for girls between 14 and 25years of age. In order to provide reintegration assistance that has a significant long-term impact, it is essential first to understand why girls the join armed forces. Before DDR programme plans are finalized and programmes started, time and resources need to be investedfirstly to locate the girls and then begin the process of understanding their potentials, vulnerabilities, dreams and ambitions.

Investigating the Tibetan Healing System: A psychosocial needs assessment of Tibetan refugees in Nepal

This article is based on an assessment study of the mental health problems of 21 Tibetan refugees in Nepal,. It describes Tibetan views on health and healing. Most of the refugees that were interviewed used the Tibetan healing system, with a few using Western allopathic medicine.

Introduction

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