This guide offers information on the mental health considerations, healthcare, beliefs, customs, language and history of Syria. The Syrian Civil War, which began in 2011, has traumatized many Syrian citizens, caused immense damage to the public healthcare system, and forced millions to flee the country’s borders. Children fleeing the country and their mental health are one of the core concerns for humanitarian aid workers, as many have experienced or witnessed traumatic events. The Brookings Institute reports that 54% of all Syrian refugees meet the criteria for one or more of the following: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety disorders, or prolonged grief disorders.
