SAMOS - The harrowing conditions in the hotspots of the Greek islands of Lesbos, Samos and Chios have created a mental health crisis. Depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and self-harm are the most common mental health problems reported by NGOs in the field.
The condition of asylum seekers has further deteriorated after months of hard lockdowns, fires and years of uncertainty. One in four asylum seekers show psychotic symptoms (previously this was one in seven). Reports of self-harm have also risen significantly - by 66% - reports the International Rescue Committee.
The arrival of the new facilities - which are likely to be closed - is driving people to delusion. In Samos, people are trying to leave the island at all costs.
The project focuses on stories of people in need of psychological help and the work of mental health specialists who try to help them - despite language barriers, ever-changing contexts and scarce resources.
Photo's: © Ula Idzikowska
ONLINE
- ‘Mensen kwamen hier op zoek naar veiligheid, maar lopen nu nog meer trauma's op’, MO*, 17/06/2021.
- ‘Wie vlucht denkt veilig te zijn bij aankomst in Europa, maar leeft voortdurend in angst’, MO*, 05/07/2021.
- “What does Europe want to achieve? That we will all commit suicide one day?”, Solomon, 09/08/2021.
- Een verloren generatie kinderen op de vlucht, MO*, 05/10/2021.
COUNTRY
- Greece
