Discover the Scarcity of Mental Health Clinics in Violence-Prone South Sudan: Why They Matter Now More Than Ever

Mental Health Struggles in South Sudan: A Glimmer of Hope

In South Sudan, Joy Falatiya found herself homeless and desperate after her husband expelled her and their five children from their home. Living in a room with cracked walls, she faced troubling thoughts, even considering suicide. “I wanted to take my children and jump in the river,” she shared, her pain evident.

However, Joy’s story takes a turn. After receiving counseling at a local mental health clinic, she began to heal. Psychosocial therapy helped her push past those dark thoughts, although feeding her children remains a challenge and education is out of reach.

The clinic in Mundri, where Joy lives, is one of the few places in South Sudan offering mental health support. Launched in late 2022, this initiative was created to reach over 20,000 people but now faces an uncertain future as funding is running out.

While the program represented a lifeline, the need for mental health services in South Sudan is vast, as the country grapples with the aftermath of civil war that began in 2013. Since then, millions have been displaced, and mental health issues have deepened.

Dr. Atong Ayuel Longar, a leading psychiatrist in South Sudan, sees the impact of prolonged uncertainty on people’s mental health. “You can’t plan for tomorrow,” she said, as fear of renewed conflict looms over daily life.

Statistics on Mental Health Struggles

Recent reports highlight alarming statistics: South Sudan has the fourth-highest suicide rate in Africa, with over 90% of the population living on less than $2.15 a day, according to the World Bank. These conditions create a pressure cooker for mental health issues, especially among those displaced.

According to the International Organization for Migration, many of the internally displaced are facing mental health crises, driven by poverty and violence. Jacopo Rovarini from Amref Health Africa noted that over a third of those screened in their project showed signs of mental health disorders.

Community Efforts for Healing

In Mundri, initiatives like Self Help Plus, a stress management program launched by WHO, have become vital. These group sessions help attendees learn simple techniques to manage stress. Longar emphasizes the importance of empowering communities with tools for self-healing.

However, funding for these essential services is precarious. As foreign aid declines, many worry about sustainability for mental health initiatives. Joy hopes the clinic will remain open if her struggles return, reflecting a longing for support in her community.

As South Sudan continues its rocky path to stability, the need for mental health services remains critical. While Joy’s journey is one of resilience, it highlights the broader challenges facing many in this nation striving for peace and recovery.

For more insights on issues in Africa, visit the Africa Pulse section.

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Mental health, Health, AP A-Wire, Wires bot