Study: 7 Million Yemenis Suffer from Mental Disorders with Only 46 Psychiatrists After 11 Years of War
Yemen Monitor – Newsroom:
A recent study issued by the Mokha Center for Strategic Studies has revealed what it described as the “silent battle” Yemenis are fighting away from the sound of gunfire — a widespread psychological collapse affecting society after more than eleven years of continuous war.
The study, prepared by Dr. Ismail Al-Suhaili and titled “The Silent Battle: After 11 Years, What Has the War Done to Yemenis’ Mental Health?” confirms that the repercussions of the conflict have not been limited to material destruction and economic collapse, but have extended deeply into the psychological fabric of Yemeni society, leaving long-term effects that threaten social stability and the country’s future.
According to the research paper, approximately 7 million Yemenis suffer from psychological trauma and varying mental health disorders requiring specialized intervention, based on field data, analytical research, and the latest international reports. However, the gap in mental health services is alarming, as the total number of psychiatrists across the country does not exceed 46 — an average of one psychiatrist for every 700,000 people — within a healthcare system exhausted by years of war.
The study noted that only about 120,000 people are currently able to access mental health services, highlighting the vast gap between actual need and available capacity. This is further compounded by the social stigma associated with mental illness, which drives many individuals to avoid seeking treatment or to turn to traditional or superstitious practices instead of specialized medical care.
Children and women were identified as the most affected groups. The findings show that 73% of children in Yemen suffer from symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a rate higher than that recorded in some other conflict-affected countries such as Iraq and Syria. This is accompanied by a noticeable decline in academic performance and an increase in anxiety and aggressive behaviors.
As for women, the data indicates that 62% face risks of depression, while 67% experience high levels of anxiety, due to worsening living conditions, the loss of breadwinners, and rising levels of psychological and social violence.
The study warns that today’s youth represent a generation at risk, living in a state of frustration and blocked prospects, pushing growing numbers to consider migration as the only escape from a reality strained politically, economically, and psychologically.
In another alarming indicator, the research paper revealed rising suicide rates in Yemeni society, with statistics recording more than 1,660 cases annually. The actual figures are likely much higher due to weak reporting mechanisms and societal constraints surrounding the issue.
The study stressed that continued neglect of the mental health crisis will pose a structural obstacle to peace and reconstruction efforts, warning that untreated trauma may contribute to the reproduction of violence and social fragility in the long term.
The paper called on the government and relevant authorities to adopt a comprehensive national mental health policy and integrate psychological support services into health, education, relief, and recovery programs, emphasizing that addressing this issue is no longer a marginal humanitarian concern, but a national and security imperative.
The study concluded by affirming that Yemen’s recovery cannot be achieved without the psychological recovery of its people, stressing that the “silent battle” is no less dangerous than the battlefield itself — and that winning it is the first step toward sustainable peace and a more stable future.
