MECC Contributing in the Treatment of Adolescent Depression
It is true that the deepening economic, social and health crises that are afflicting the Middle East are overwhelming the citizens. But do you know how difficult is the psychological impact of these crises on the most affected groups? Do you realize how anxious teenagers are becoming at this delicate stage of their lives?
In fact, teenagers today, especially in Eastern societies, are suffering from several life upheavals, manifested with the displacement, social isolation and delay in education among them, which push them live in severe depression and despair.
Hence, the Service and Relief Department - Diakonia, Beirut office, at the Middle East Council of Churches, and in cooperation with the international organization Norwegian Church Aid - NCA, organized 8 support sessions for a group of teenagers, at Our Lady Dispensary, affiliated to MECC and located in Sabtiyeh – Lebanon.
The sessions aimed at helping the participants express their concerns and problems. It included an innovative game in which teenagers participated through an electronic application entitled "Helping Hand", which was invented by Dr. Solfried.
On the other hand, most parents today praise the importance of such sessions, especially since they are having difficulties connecting and communicating with their children. Consequently, mothers as caregivers have expressed the need for these support sessions for their teenage children so they can have a safe space to discuss topics and challenges they are facing.