One Year After the Devastating Explosion: The Importance of Mental Health for Burns Survivors and Health Workers in Armenia

The Aftermath of Tragedy: Mental Health Support for Refugees in Armenia Following the Karabakh Fuel Depot Explosion

In late September 2023, a devastating explosion at a fuel depot in the Karabakh region resulted in a catastrophic loss of life and left several hundred refugees injured, many suffering from severe burns. The World Health Organization’s (WHO) Country Office in Armenia swiftly recognized the profound mental health implications of this tragedy on the refugee community. In response, they collaborated with the Armenia Psychiatrics Association (ArPA) to provide immediate support to the traumatized survivors, their families, and the overwhelmed medical teams tasked with their care.

Immediate Response and Support

Within a day of the explosion, a dedicated team of volunteer psychiatrists and psychologists from ArPA arrived on the scene, ready to assist those affected by the mass burn casualties. Mareitta Khurshudyan, a clinical psychologist and Technical Expert in mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) with the WHO Country Office in Armenia, emphasized the importance of this partnership: “This kind of relationship gives us the peace of mind that important work will be handled rapidly, thoughtfully, and with care.” This collaboration exemplified the critical role of NGOs in responding to public health crises, particularly in the European Region, where organizations like ArPA are integral to WHO’s mission.

Long-term Mental Health Needs

In the aftermath of the explosion, teams of psychologists coordinated by WHO and ArPA provided immediate and ongoing MHPSS to affected individuals, particularly those in high-trauma situations. With temporary funding secured, these teams offered free in-person care at hospitals and deployed mobile units to reach displaced and vulnerable populations. Over the course of nine months, they provided psychosocial support to 1,350 survivors, 484 family members, and 300 healthcare workers, along with psychiatric support to 120 burn survivors.

The early and consistent psychosocial interventions proved crucial in minimizing severe mental health issues among those affected. Remarkably, there were no known cases of ongoing major depressive disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder among those who received support. However, challenges such as chronic stress, anxiety, and depression persisted, highlighting the need for continued intervention.

The Impact of Visible Injuries

Survivors of the explosion faced not only physical challenges but also significant emotional distress due to visible disfigurements from severe burns. These injuries can lead to social stigma, impacting individuals’ confidence and hindering their ability to engage in social interactions and community activities. Naira Azatyan, a Clinical Psychologist at Yerevan State Medical University, noted, “Today, many of them feel depressed and struggle in adjusting to their new physical appearance.” The ongoing access to MHPSS is vital in helping survivors navigate these new challenges and rebuild their lives.

A Unique Perspective from Within

The teams from ArPA included professionals who were also recent refugees, providing a unique perspective and connection to those they served. Gohar Gyuriyan, a social worker and recent refugee, emphasized the importance of shared experiences in fostering trust and communication. “Because I am one of them… this helps improve my ability to communicate with them,” she explained. This empathetic approach has been instrumental in helping refugees find hope and motivation to move forward.

Continued Commitment to Care

Despite the funding for MHPSS programs coming to an end, many ArPA responders have chosen to continue volunteering their time to support survivors and refugees. Ani Yeghiazarayan, a Clinical Psychologist at YSMU, highlighted the ongoing commitment of the response teams: “We have continued contact with [the burns survivors]. It is our duty to do it. They have gone through so much, and any of us could have gone through this.” This dedication underscores the profound sense of responsibility felt by those involved in the recovery efforts.

Preparing for Future Emergencies

The explosion not only affected survivors but also placed immense pressure on healthcare providers, many of whom were refugees themselves. The need for MHPSS became evident as medical professionals struggled to cope with the emotional toll of caring for a large number of burn patients. As a result, there has been a shift in perception regarding the necessity of mental health support, with hospitals throughout Armenia now requesting ongoing training in MHPSS.

Armen Soghoyan, President of ArPA, noted the progress made in reducing stigma surrounding mental health: “By including healthcare professionals in our training, they understand the value and are starting to collaborate with us.” This collaboration is crucial in building a resilient healthcare system capable of addressing both physical and mental health needs during emergencies.

A Call for Increased Support

As the community continues to heal, there is a pressing need for increased funding and support for MHPSS initiatives aimed at survivors of emergencies, refugees, and the host communities. Strengthening mental health care is essential not only for individual recovery but also for preparing communities to face future crises. The lessons learned from the Karabakh explosion can serve as a foundation for building a more robust mental health support system in Armenia and beyond.

In conclusion, the tragic events of September 2023 have highlighted the critical importance of mental health support in the aftermath of crises. The collaborative efforts of WHO, ArPA, and dedicated volunteers have made a significant impact on the lives of survivors, but the journey toward recovery is ongoing. By prioritizing mental health care, communities can foster resilience and hope in the face of adversity.

-Offer -