The Role of Media in Promoting the Importance of Mental Health in Yemen

Afrah Borji – Sawt Al-Amal (Voice of Hope)

Yemeni media is vital and effective in addressing various issues, including social and scientific matters. It pays particular attention to mental health issues facing individuals and society, including journalists themselves. Conflict is a major contributor to the spread of mental illness in Yemen. Therefore, it is crucial to discuss and address these issues to eliminate their spread and help individuals overcome them by promoting mental health.

Consequently, Yemeni media shoulders the responsibility of raising awareness about mental health issues. This can be achieved by highlighting these issues in Yemen through television programs, newspaper articles, and radio broadcasts. It also involves disseminating accurate information about various mental illnesses, encouraging people to seek help, and emphasizing the importance of mental health for society as a whole, including media professionals.

In a 2024 World Health Organization report titled “The Silent Struggle: Mental Health Crisis in Yemen,” it was noted that “many areas in Yemen suffer from a severe shortage of mental health and psychosocial support services.” The report estimated that “the number of people suffering from psychological trauma and stress caused by the ongoing conflict is about 7 million, which is about a quarter of Yemen’s population. While all of them need mental health support, only 120,000 have continuous access to services.”

Regarding the role of media, unfortunately, there is a lack of focus on mental health or those suffering from it in Yemen. The offensive content circulated by some media outlets and social media platforms towards these patients reinforces social stigma and makes it more difficult for them to receive the treatment they need. In most cases, it leads to their exclusion from society and prevents them from living a normal life due to their illness.

Conversely, numerous media reports emphasize the crucial role of media in promoting mental health within society. This can be achieved by raising awareness about its importance and how to maintain it, improving the public perception of mental health patients, and portraying them in a positive light that showcases their potential and capabilities.

These reports also stress the need for media professionals to acknowledge their social responsibility. They should advocate for mental health patients, defend their rights, make them feel valued, and highlight their significant societal role.

Victims of the Conflict

Journalist Muhammad Al-Salahi endured five years of imprisonment and torture at the hands of a party to the conflict, leaving deep scars on both his body and soul. He transformed his painful experience into a platform for raising awareness about the importance of mental health, shedding light on the suffering of a group often marginalized in our societies.

Numerous Yemeni female journalists have also experienced profound psychological trauma during the country’s ongoing years of conflict. These women faced grave dangers while covering events, enduring arrests, detentions, beatings, and grappling with fear, anxiety, and depression as a result of witnessing countless tragedies.

“Journalists in Yemen face immense challenges due to the ongoing conflict that has persisted for over nine years, compounded by the deteriorating economic situation, creating a challenging work environment,” stated Muhammad Ismail, Executive Director of the Studies and Economic Media Center (SEMC).

Ismail explained to Voice of Hope newspaper that journalists are exposed to various traumatic stories during their work, which takes a toll on their mental health and threatens severe consequences. He emphasized the crucial need to support the mental well-being of journalists, highlighting that SEMC established a specialized clinic two years ago to provide psychological care for journalists, activists, and media workers. This is part of a comprehensive support program that includes legal and digital aid.

Ismail further noted that the clinic has provided over 500 psychological support sessions to dozens of journalists from different Yemeni governorates. He added that this step reflects SEMC’s belief in the importance of this type of care for journalists, ensuring their ability to perform their duties in a healthy state.

A Significant and Prominent Role

Media plays a crucial and prominent role in raising community awareness about mental health, especially given the challenging circumstances in Yemen. It is imperative to have television programs and press reports that focus on understanding what Yemeni citizens experience when facing mental health crises.

Journalist Muhammad Al-Salwi embodies an inspiring example of the media’s role in promoting mental health awareness. He dedicated his podcast to highlighting mental health issues on multiple occasions.

He explained that the media’s lack of extensive focus on mental health stems from various reasons, including their preoccupation with covering the conflict and Yemen’s dire economic situation. He stressed the importance of shedding light on mental health in Yemen, particularly in a country ravaged by nine years of conflict, leaving millions suffering from psychological distress.

“Statistics indicate that nearly 3 million Yemenis are in dire need of mental healthcare, according to specialized organizations. This alarming figure results from the nine-year conflict that has inflicted immeasurable human suffering” stated Al-Salwi.

He emphasized that the media bears a significant responsibility to highlight mental health issues, raise awareness about its importance, and encourage those suffering to seek help. He called upon all journalists, especially those working in Yemeni media, to give mental health issues the attention they deserve through their reports and articles.

The Conflict and Its Impact on Media Services

For nine years, Yemen has been embroiled in a devastating conflict that has ravaged all aspects of life, leaving behind immense destruction that has extended to media institutions. Many have been forced to shut down, while those struggling to survive face immense challenges hindering their ability to fulfill their role.

A recent study revealed the extent of the catastrophe that has befallen Yemeni media, with 45% of media outlets ceasing operations entirely. In contrast, the remaining outlets face significant difficulties in continuing their work.

Furthermore, a study conducted by the Yemeni Journalists Syndicate, in collaboration with the International Federation of Journalists, revealed that 165 Yemeni media outlets have closed their doors during the years of conflict. This includes television channels, radio stations, newspapers, magazines, and websites, with nearly half of Yemen’s media outlets now out of service due to the conflict and its devastating consequences.

The Psychological Impact on Journalists

Like other conflict-ridden countries, the journalism profession in Yemen is a journey fraught with risks and challenges. Yemeni journalists, who confront scenes of death, destruction, and suffering daily, endure immense psychological pressure that threatens their mental well-being.

Al-Jazeera Media Institute recently published a report titled “The Mental Health of Journalists in a Dangerous Profession,” which shed light on the extent of psychological distress experienced by Yemeni journalists.  According to the report, Yemeni journalists and media professionals are living in a state of psychological pressure due to the conflict and its impact. They are also subjected to challenging and painful situations daily during their work, including conducting sensitive interviews and listening to traumatic real-life stories.

The report added that the work environment is a significant contributor to psychological stress among Yemeni journalists. Many media outlets suffer from a lack of resources and capabilities, leading to feelings of frustration and despair among journalists. Additionally, some media outlets exert pressure on journalists to influence their coverage.

In a report titled “Yemeni Journalists and Psychological Violations,” “Khuyoot” website addressed the consequences of reporting on the conflict’s tragedies and the humanitarian crisis on Yemeni journalists. The report revealed the significant psychological difficulties faced by Yemeni journalists, including the mental health challenges stemming from the ongoing conflict between the armed parties.

Journalist Mujahid Hamood, quoted in the same report, describes experiencing boredom and frustration while writing journalistic material, negatively impacting the quality and productivity of his work. While writing a news report previously took him only two days, it now takes him more than two weeks to a month. He attributes this decline to the challenging psychological state he is experiencing, which hinders his ability to focus and be creative.

The report emphasized that mental health disorders in Yemen have increased significantly during the past years of conflict. According to the World Health Organization, one in four people in Yemen suffers from mental and psychological problems due to the armed conflict. Moreover, over 5.5 million Yemenis suffer from mental and psychological disorders, according to a report published by the organization in December 2022.

The mental health crisis in Yemen is a silent battle that requires urgent attention from all parties. Many Yemenis suffer from psychological disorders resulting from the conflict and difficult living conditions. Still, they conceal their suffering for fear of social stigma or lack of awareness about seeking help.

Therefore, it is crucial to establish a robust support system for Yemeni journalists that includes psychological, financial, and legal services. There should be programs in place to support Yemeni journalists and media workers.