Title: The Ongoing Mental Health Crisis in Lebanon: Families Seek Support Amidst War Aftermath
Beirut, Lebanon – Last September, as Israeli shelling intensified, Zainab Dhaher and her family were forced to leave their village in southern Lebanon. In a frantic rush, they packed a few essentials and embarked on a grueling 13-hour drive to Beirut, only to find themselves once again under the threat of bombardment. The cycle of displacement continued.
“We left without enough clothing for my children,” recalls Zainab, a 34-year-old mother of two, her voice trembling during a phone interview. “We moved from one place to another, and there was no help—no food, no blankets, nothing.”
Months after a U.S.-brokered ceasefire took effect in November, the shadow of fear still looms large. Despite the truce, Israeli strikes on Lebanese territory persist, igniting concerns of renewed conflict. Approximately 90,000 Lebanese citizens remain unable to return home due to the devastation of their villages and the ongoing Israeli military presence in the region.
For Zainab, the emotional scars left by the war are proving to be more profound than the physical destruction surrounding her. “The sound of drones terrifies me. I cry when I hear Ahmad Kaabour’s song ‘Ya Rayeh Sawb Bladi’ [Oh, you who is going to my land], because it reminds me of what we’ve lost.” Despite the ceasefire, she struggles to find peace. “I can’t sleep; I’m always worried about my children. This pain feels like it will never go away.”
With a mental health system in Lebanon that is barely functioning, Zainab, like many others, turned to artificial intelligence (AI) tools, including ChatGPT, for support.
Lebanon: A Nation in Psychological Turmoil
Lebanon has faced a barrage of crises over the years: the 2019 financial collapse that wiped out savings, the devastating Beirut port explosion in 2020, and the recent military offensives that have claimed nearly 4,000 lives and displaced thousands. Amidst this chaos, the psychological toll on the population is becoming increasingly evident.
Mental health professionals report a significant rise in conditions such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and psychosomatic symptoms, especially among those living near the southern border, journalists covering the violence, and humanitarian workers. Yet, with therapy sessions costing between $40 and $100—far beyond the reach of many—mental health support remains a luxury.
Dr. Randa Baraja, a clinical psychologist at CPRM Clinic in Beirut, emphasizes the lack of a national strategy for psychological recovery. “We’re witnessing a resurgence of trauma, not just from the recent war, but from Lebanon’s entire history of violence,” she explains. “The trauma is collective and spans generations.”
Baraja has noticed a growing trend among younger individuals turning to AI tools like ChatGPT for emotional support. “Many are confiding in it, seeking comfort, or even asking for diagnoses. It highlights a deep need for someone—or something—to simply listen.” However, she warns that ChatGPT lacks the emotional connection essential for healing and may delay access to professional help.
Zainab experienced this firsthand. After reading a Facebook post about mental health “self-tests” using ChatGPT, she decided to try one. The bot’s alarming response listed PTSD, schizophrenia, and ADHD as potential diagnoses. “It shook me,” she admits. “But I couldn’t afford therapy. I earn $400 a month working at a beauty salon, and rent alone is $1,200.”
At first, Zainab found solace in ChatGPT, but her reliance on it soon led to frustration. “Its responses felt empty. I became angrier after every conversation. It felt like shouting into a void.”
The Lingering Effects of War
The psychological effects of war are not easily shaken. According to the World Health Organization, one in five individuals in conflict-affected areas suffers from mental health conditions ranging from mild depression to severe anxiety and psychosis. In Lebanon, this impact is exacerbated by economic despair, with the Lebanese lira losing nearly 97% of its value since 2019.
Sarah Rammal, a 22-year-old fashion entrepreneur from al-Aadaissah, lost her home and business during the war. Now living in Beirut, she’s trying to rebuild. “It felt like my life had been erased,” she says. “I started talking to ChatGPT every night just to cope with the pain.” Initially, this routine helped, but over time it became ineffective. “I wasn’t moving forward; I just kept reliving the same sadness. Eventually, I sought professional help. After just one therapy session, I felt lighter.”
Addressing the Mental Health Crisis
Lebanese youth, already grappling with political disillusionment and economic uncertainty, have been particularly affected by the recent conflict. Rania, a hotline responder at Embrace, a leading mental health NGO, notes a significant increase in calls from young people. “Most of these calls are war-related. They feel hopeless about their futures here,” she explains.
To address this growing crisis, Embrace and Lebanon’s Ministry of Health launched a mental health app called Step-by-Step, designed by clinical psychologists. “It’s free, confidential, and tailored to individual needs,” Rania says. “We always encourage people to use it.”
Siba Haidar Ahmed, a master’s student in clinical psychology, highlights the dangers of relying on AI tools during emotional crises. “Using ChatGPT occasionally isn’t harmful, but many people mistakenly view it as a substitute for therapy,” she warns. While AI can provide surface-level comfort, its effects are fleeting and may deepen feelings of emptiness.
Back in southern Lebanon, as families strive to rebuild after months of shelling, the path to psychological recovery remains elusive. Many are turning to their screens in search of comfort and answers. Zainab, now back in her village, is trying to move forward but acknowledges the deep scars left behind. “We left the war,” she concludes. “But the war didn’t leave us.”
This article aims to shed light on the profound mental health crisis facing Lebanon, highlighting the struggles of families like Zainab’s while emphasizing the urgent need for accessible mental health support in the country.
