Empowering Mothers and Children Through Mental Health

In Lebanon, mental health is a pressing issue exacerbated by the country’s ongoing war in addition to the economic and social challenges. This struggle is felt mostly by mothers and children, who often bear the brunt of the crisis in silence. To address this, Anera, in partnership with Embrace, organized an event aimed at promoting mental health awareness among parents of students enrolled in our capacity-building training program.

Mia Atwi, president of Embrace, poignantly described the situation in an interview on MTV Lebanon:

Our event specifically targeted mothers, recognizing their pivotal role in supporting their children’s mental health. Abir, a Lifeline supervisor at Embrace, explained,

Um Ahmad, a mother of one of our students, shared her experience: “Dealing with a child suffering from mental health issues is crucial. It’s important to approach them with care and validation.” She also spoke about her personal way of coping with stress: “My favorite way to unwind when I’m tired or angry is to take my car for a ride. It gives me a sense of freedom and control and helps me relax.”

Sessions like these are vital for raising awareness and providing support where it is most needed. By educating mothers and children about mental health, we can foster a more supportive and understanding community. The long-term benefits of such initiatives are profound, leading to increased resilience and well-being across entire communities.

We invite everyone to join us in supporting mental health initiatives. Whether through volunteering, donating, or spreading the word, your involvement can make a significant difference. Don’t suffer in silence— always speak out and seek help.