Conference in Taiz Discusses the Psychological and Social Effects of War and Paths to Recovery

Rania Abdullah
Yemen — Mental health is considered a key element in addressing the consequences of war in Yemen, as it directly affects individuals, families, and communities.
Therefore, it has become essential to integrate psychological support into relief and development programs as a fundamental step toward recovery and creating an environment
that recognizes mental health care as a human right.
Coinciding with World Mental Health Day, the Safe Women for Development Foundation in Taiz held, on Saturday, October 11,
the first scientific psychological conference under the title:
“The Psychological and Social Effects of War in Yemen: The Path Toward Recovery and Sustainable Support.”
The conference saw broad participation from academics, mental health specialists, community leaders, and human rights activists.
They discussed the growing challenges faced by Yemeni society, particularly women and children, amid the ongoing impacts of war, siege, and poverty.
In her opening speech, Dr. Elan Abdulhaq, Deputy Governor of Taiz for Health and Environmental Affairs, stressed the importance of developing public policies
to address the psychological impacts of war, noting that these effects have severe repercussions on individuals, families, and society—sometimes leading to social fragmentation
and the weakening of family ties.
Experts and academics from various fields presented several research papers on the psychological effects related to war and ongoing conflicts in Yemen.
On the sidelines of the conference, Ibtihal Al-Aghbari, head of the foundation, stated that “organizing this conference is part of efforts to raise awareness about the importance of mental health in times of crisis,”
adding that “Taiz, and Yemen in general, suffer from deep psychological and social consequences due to years of war, and the need for psychological support has become as urgent as the need for food and medicine.”
She explained that the conference aims to produce practical recommendations that contribute to drawing a roadmap toward recovery and sustainable support.
Latifa Al-Hudhaifi, a trainer in psychological support, emphasized that holding such events helps remove the social stigma surrounding mental illness.
She pointed out that “many people still feel embarrassed to seek psychological help, turning instead to charlatans or spiritual healers rather than professional psychologists.”
She added that limited public awareness about the importance of mental health leads to worsening behavioral and psychological disorders,
noting that “mental health is no less important than physical health, and balance between the two is the foundation of a healthy life.”
Asmaa Al-Ra’ai, Executive Director of the Association of Mothers of the Abducted, presented a research paper on the psychological impact of abduction and enforced disappearance on women and children.
She stressed that “many women suffer from severe psychological trauma due to the loss or forced detention of their loved ones,” pointing out that “such experiences leave deep scars on mental health and affect
the social fabric of families and the community as a whole.”
She explained that the association provides psychological support to released detainees and their families but faces major challenges due to insufficient institutional support.
Meanwhile, Dr. Khadija Al-Hadhabi, head of Salam Yemen Foundation, said the conference represents an important scientific and humanitarian milestone in the process of psychological and social recovery in the city:
“We are still living in the shadow of war, and its psychological effects are far from over. Families are suffering, and young people face serious difficulties adapting.
It is crucial to view psychological disorders as illnesses that require treatment—not neglect.” She added that “knowledge is the first step toward healing, and awareness helps break the barriers of fear and stigma.”
The conference concluded with several recommendations calling for the integration of psychological support into relief and development programs,
expanding the reach of counseling centers, and training local staff to provide sustainable services that promote community recovery.
Participants emphasized the importance of involving women in the design and implementation of mental health programs, given their vital role in the process of social recovery.
Organizers affirmed that this conference marks a first step toward building collective awareness of mental health in Yemen and establishing a social environment that recognizes psychological treatment
as a fundamental human right, especially in a country exhausted by war and burdened by suffering.