Learning to cope by becoming an actor in their own well-being

Helping people meet the challenges of mental health in a fragilized country

Civil war, outbreaks of diseases such as Ebola, the consequences of climate change... Sierra Leone regularly faces major crises that have a lasting impact on its population and their mental health. Despite the efforts being made by the local authorities, there is still insufficient support available for people experiencing mental health disorders and psychosocial distress. HI launched its first mental health project in Sierra Leone in 1998 to help people who had been amputated or otherwise injured during the civil war. Today, the work continues through our Touching Minds Raising Dignity (TMRD) project.

Underway in four countries, including Sierra Leone, this project aims to support people suffering from psychological disorders in gaining recognition of their rights, help them cope with their difficulties and bring about a positive change in the way the community views mental health. Umaru Jalloh, who is in charge of income-generating activities for the TMRD project in Sierra Leone, explains:

“Changing people's perception of mental health issues is really important. Combating stigma is vital for the mental wellbeing of populations. This project's focus on the acceptance of people with psychological issues is a crucial step towards improving the mental wellbeing of people within communities.”

Restoring well-being and dignity through socio-economic activities

The TMRD project is unique in that, in addition to individual and group psychosocial support sessions, it helps the people concerned to launch income-generating activities. Because these activities not only increase the resources of their household, they also have a significant impact on the well-being and dignity of people facing mental-health related obstacles.

Economic activities help change the way people perceive their own problems, foster acceptance of others facing psychosocial issues or having experienced mental health difficulties and contribute to their overall well-being.

“Before this project, I felt alone and desperate. I was under a lot of stress and felt there was nothing I could do. Now, thanks to the psychological support and my pagne business, I feel well in my head. I'm the leader of the group, people respect me and I feel autonomous and optimistic about the future’, said Esther, a young woman supported by the TMRD project.”

Benefiting the whole community 

Alongside the other members of the team, Community Health Workers play a key role in organising the setting up of income-generating activities.  As pillars of the community, they actively raise people's awareness of mental health issues, so that HI's work is better understood and accepted. For Ibrahim, a community leader: 

"The project has not only strengthened our understanding of mental health, it has also enabled 30 people to create small-scale economic activities. This has reduced their stress and their use of drugs, for example. I can see improvements in their lives and in our community."

In Sierra Leone, the TMRD project has targeted 60 people in the communities of Susan's Bay and Looking Town, including men and women who have experienced a variety of traumatic events, such as fires, the loss of loved ones, economic hardship and unemployment.

‘I would like to thank all those who set up this project. Thanks to this project, I am now a driver and one of the most influential people in this community. My darkest days are behind me’, says Abdou, who has also benefited from HI’s income-generating activities.