69.2% of participants in the survey reported that they have already experienced symptoms of mental health disorders

Prepared by: Yomna Al-Zubairi

Mental health – as defined by the World Health Organization – is a state of well-being where individuals realize their own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, work productively and fruitfully, and contribute to their community. Mental disorders are one of the biggest health problems facing the world, representing 8.8% and 16.6% of the total burden of disease attributable to health conditions in low- and middle-income countries, respectively. Also, one in eight people around the world suffers from a mental disorder, meaning approximately one billion people worldwide.

In countries experiencing crises and conflicts, these numbers escalate significantly. People living under the weight of conflict, violence, and displacement suffer from severe and chronic mental disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Children in these countries are also most vulnerable to the repercussions of these crises, experiencing developmental and growth disorders, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.

Yemen, unfortunately, is a stark example of this suffering. After years of conflict and strife, the number of people suffering from mental disorders has increased significantly, reaching an estimated 7 million people suffering from psychological trauma and stress caused by the ongoing conflict, almost a quarter of Yemen’s population. Of these, only 120,000 people have access to continuous health services.

This huge number of cases, compared to the number able to receive treatment, paints a bleak picture of the mental health situation in Yemen. The conflict is not the only cause of the decline in mental health in Yemen, but it has also damaged the infrastructure of the health sector and reduced the number of healthcare workers – especially mental health specialists, making access to help more difficult. Furthermore, the social stigma attached to anyone suffering from mental disorders drives many to conceal their psychological problems and avoid receiving appropriate treatment.

Following all of this, the Information and Opinion Polling Unit at (Yemen Information Center) conducted a survey on Mental health in Yemen. The survey was conducted on a sample of 312 participants from various parts of Yemen, with a gender ratio of 50% female to 50% male. The participants were distributed across different age groups, with the age group between 36 and 45 years being the largest (38.5%), followed by the age group between 25 and 35 years at 36.9%. 16% of those aged between 46 and 65 years participated in the survey, along with 7.6% of the age group 18-25 years, while the participation rate of senior citizens (65 years and older) was limited to 1%.

In terms of education, high school graduates were the most represented group at 33%, followed by those with a bachelor’s degree at 27.6%. 24% of university students, 9% of those with higher degrees, and only 6.4% of those with a preparatory certificate or lower participated.

The survey covered 21 Yemeni governorates, with Sana’a Governorate having the highest proportion of participants at 19.3%. It was followed by Taiz Governorate at 15.7%, Dhamar at 10.9%, and Al-Hudaida at 9.3%. 8.7% of participants were from Aden Governorate, 7.4% from Hadhramaut, 6.4% from Ibb, 2.6% from Al-Dhali’, 1.9% from Shabwa, 1.9% from Lahj, 1.9% from Sa’ada, 1.6% from Al-Mahwit, 1.6% from Rayma, 1.6% from Hajja, 1.6% from Socotra, 1.6% from Abyan, 1.6% from Al-Jawf, 1.6% from Amran, 1% from Mahra, 1% from Marib, and only 0.8% from Al-Baydha.

Key Findings

Firstly, the results showed a disparity in the level of awareness of mental health among participants. 67.3% displayed a clear understanding of the concept, while 24.7% indicated gaps in their knowledge, and 8% admitted to not knowing anything about mental health.

When asked about the prevalence of mental disorders in Yemeni society, the results showed that 56.7% of the sample believe that the rate of mental disorders is very high in Yemeni society with a societal neglect of this issue, 31.7% believe that the rate is high, and 11.6% believe that the prevalence of mental disorders in Yemeni society is low.

When evaluating their mental health, 42.6% of participants reported being in a moderate state, 30.1% said their mental health was poor, 17.6% indicated it was good, and the rest (9.7%) reported it was very bad.

Regarding the groups most at risk of developing mental disorders, the participants’ responses were as follows: *

• Women: 63.5% of participants confirmed that women are the group most at risk of developing mental disorders; this, in their view, is due to social, cultural, and biological factors.

• Men: 49% of participants said that men are more susceptible to mental disorders because of the pressures associated with providing for a family and meeting their needs, as well as societal expectations.

• Children: 45% of participants said that children are the group most at risk of developing mental disorders; this is because they are exposed to unstable or violent environments, which can negatively impact their mental health.

• Elderly: 16% of those surveyed said that the elderly are the group most at risk of developing mental disorders; this is due to the lack of social and psychological support they receive, especially as they age.

69.2% of participants said that they have already experienced symptoms of mental health disorders, such as:*

• Episodes of depression, at (56.2%).

• Recurring unwanted flashbacks of a traumatic event, at (50.4%).

• Negative changes in thinking and mood, at (45.3%).

• Excessive anxiety, at (44.2%).

• Delusions and hallucinations, at (22.8%).

While 30.8% said they had never experienced any symptoms of mental disorders.

The participants’ responses to the question about the factors that most affect the mental health of individuals in Yemen were as follows:*

• Violence and family problems: 66% of those surveyed believe that one of the biggest causes of mental disorders is domestic violence, especially violence against women and children, which has a profound and destructive psychological impact.

• Poverty: 56.1% of those surveyed reported that poverty is one of the biggest causes of mental disorders in Yemen; it leads to a decline in physical health, an increase in domestic violence, and a lower level of education, all of which contribute to exacerbating mental health problems.

• Societal pressures: 54.5% of those surveyed believe that one of the biggest causes of mental disorders is societal pressure, especially the economic problems and living difficulties that many people face.

• Conflict: 45.5% of those surveyed believe that one of the biggest causes of mental disorders is conflict; it destroys the infrastructure of society and leads to a loss of security and stability, which increases the risk of mental disorders.

The survey participants also believe that there are many problems and difficulties facing people suffering from mental health issues in Yemen. These difficulties, in their view, include the following: *

• Fear of societal stigma, (54.2%).

• Difficulty in obtaining a proper diagnosis and treatment, at (53.2%).

• Lack of sufficient support from family and friends, at (40.4%).

• Low awareness of the importance of mental health in society, at (38.5%).

• High cost of treatment, at (31.1%).

In conclusion, the survey participants believe that mental health awareness in Yemen is still limited and that the stigma associated with mental illness prevents many people from seeking help. In addition, the lack of mental health services, especially in rural areas, increases the suffering of those affected. The participants also pointed out that certain groups, such as women, children, and the elderly, are at greater risk of developing mental disorders due to factors related to their social and economic circumstances and their role in society. The survey respondents also believe that the mental health situation in Yemen requires urgent and serious attention from all concerned parties, whether governmental, civil, or international; investing in mental health is an investment in the future of Yemen and the future of its coming generations.

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* *This is a multiple-choice question, and each answer to this question was analyzed separately as an independent sample, with 100% accuracy.