Mental Health and Psychological Support for Forcibly Displaced People: The case of Slovenia

On November 3, 2023, IQS hosted a seminar on the critical topic of Mental Health and Psychological Support for Forcibly Displaced People: The Case of Slovenia. The session was presented by Dr. Maja Gostič, an expert from the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts.

This impactful event shed light on the mental health challenges faced by forcibly displaced individuals and the psychological support systems in place to address their needs, focusing on Slovenia as a case study.

Key Topics Discussed
Mental Health Challenges: Dr. Gostič explored the unique mental health struggles of refugees and asylum seekers, including trauma, displacement-related anxiety, and cultural adjustment issues.
Slovenia's Response: The speaker provided an in-depth look at Slovenia’s initiatives to offer psychological support to forcibly displaced people, highlighting successes and areas for improvement.
Cultural Sensitivity in Mental Health Care: Emphasis was placed on the importance of culturally tailored approaches in psychological interventions to ensure effective support.
Collaborative Efforts: Dr. Gostič discussed the role of government, NGOs, and international organizations in creating comprehensive mental health support networks.

Participants left the seminar with a deeper understanding of the psychological toll of forced displacement and the importance of developing inclusive mental health policies. Dr. Gostič’s insights emphasized the need for compassion, cultural awareness, and interdisciplinary collaboration to address this global challenge.