Severe Psychological Challenges of Former Syrian Prisoners After the Fall of Bashar Al-Assad

Former Syrian prisoners, after the fall of Bashar Al-Assad, are facing severe psychological challenges that have significantly impacted their daily lives. Many of these individuals suffer from the traumatic experiences of their time in prison, while mental health services in this country are severely limited and stigmatized.

Bitter Experiences and Psychological Problems

Recently, at a community center in Aleppo, a group of former prisoners gathered to share their experiences. One of them, who wished to remain anonymous, stated: "They wanted to break us, but we are still standing, even though we are broken inside." This former prisoner, who spent years in Bashar Al-Assad's regime prisons, struggles to recall his bitter memories.

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According to him, many former prisoners are grappling with severe depression and anxiety. In Aleppo, where he lives, there are no mental health services available to assist those suffering from psychological issues. This has led many former prisoners to fear seeking help from doctors and counselors, preferring to keep their problems hidden.

Lack of Mental Health Services

In areas like Idlib, the situation is much worse. NGOs working in the field of mental health are under severe pressure and unable to provide adequate services. One employee of an NGO in Idlib says: "We are severely lacking in resources and facilities. Many of the individuals who come to us are in desperate need of help, but we cannot assist them all."

Many former prisoners are trying to cope with their issues, but the lack of psychological and social support has pushed them towards isolation. One of them says: "For me, every day is a struggle. I feel like no one understands what I am going through, and that is very painful."

Meanwhile, families have also been affected. Many families are reluctant to talk about the psychological issues of their members due to fear of judgment and social stigma. This causes psychological problems to continue in a chain within families.

Despite these challenges, some former prisoners are trying to connect with each other and benefit from each other's experiences. They know they are not alone, and despite all the problems, hope for the future is still alive in their hearts.

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