Fear, Distress and Grief Türkiye and Syria Earthquakes May Fuel Severe Mental Health Needs in the Region

Save The Children
Feb 22, 2023

Fear, Distress and Grief Türkiye and Syria Earthquakes May Fuel Severe Mental Health Needs in the Region


The mental health and well-being of seven million children is at risk for years to come after last week’s devastating earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria, with psychologists telling Save the Children some are showing signs of acute distress including nightmares, aggression, or being withdrawn.

Around 23 million people have been impacted by the earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria, including at least seven million children, many of whom have witnessed their friends and family members die before their eyes. Others have been buried under the rubble of their collapsed homes. Many now still don’t have anywhere safe to go.