Rising Demand for Psychological Services During War; When Do We Need a Counselor?

Table of Contents

1. War and the Mental Health Crisis; Why Does Demand Increase?

2. Warning Signs; When Do We Need a Counselor?

3. Barriers to Receiving Help During Crisis

4. Online Counseling; An Effective Solution in Critical Conditions

5. Therapyta; Specialized Support for Iranians During Crisis

6. Conclusion

1. War and the Mental Health Crisis; Why Does Demand Increase?

War, regardless of its intensity and scope, is one of the most severe stressors for human mental health. In circumstances where military attacks, ongoing threats, and political instability affect daily life, the human mind is placed in a constant state of alert, and the nervous system remains active to cope with danger. This state, which can last for weeks or months, gradually depletes an individual's psychological capacity and lays the groundwork for anxiety disorders, depression, and post-traumatic stress.

Studies show that in war-torn regions, the prevalence of mental disorders increases dramatically. A systematic review of studies conducted in the Middle East and North Africa region found that exposure to multiple or chronic traumatic experiences is associated with higher rates of post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety, with a direct relationship between the intensity and duration of exposure and the severity of symptoms. These findings emphasize that in wartime conditions, not only does the number of people needing psychological help increase, but the severity of their problems also intensifies.

For Iranians abroad, this crisis has special dimensions. On one hand, they are concerned about the safety and health of their family and friends in Iran; on the other hand, feelings of helplessness and inability to intervene directly impose an additional psychological burden on them. Reports indicate that during the recent conflicts, Iran's State Welfare Organization provided over 90,000 psychological counseling sessions, a large portion of which were related to the psychological effects of the war. Additionally, surveys report a significant increase in feelings of hopelessness, anger, and anxiety among Iranians—with approximately 60% of respondents reporting feelings of hopelessness about the future. These statistics demonstrate that the need for psychological services in critical conditions is not a marginal need but a pervasive necessity.

2. Warning Signs; When Do We Need a Counselor?

Recognizing when anxiety and stress caused by war have gone beyond normal levels and become a serious problem can be difficult. In critical conditions, feelings of fear, worry, and anxiety are natural and even essential responses for survival. However, when these feelings become intense, chronic, and pervasive and affect an individual's daily functioning, they can no longer be ignored.

According to psychological criteria, the following signs can be warning indicators and suggest the necessity of receiving professional help. First, the persistence of symptoms for more than a few weeks without spontaneous improvement is one of the most important signs. If anxiety, insomnia, irritability, or negative thoughts have intensified or remained constant rather than decreasing, this can indicate a need for specialized intervention. Second, impact on daily functioning; if an individual cannot attend to work, studies, or social relationships, or if these areas have clearly suffered, it is time to see a counselor. Third, the emergence of persistent physical symptoms such as chronic heart palpitations, digestive problems, persistent headaches, or muscle tension that do not improve with usual strategies.

Fourth, the emergence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms; these include flashbacks, frequent nightmares, avoidance of situations reminiscent of trauma, and emotional detachment from others. Fifth, the use of unhealthy coping mechanisms such as alcohol, drugs, or overeating as a way to escape emotions. Sixth, and most importantly, the emergence of suicidal thoughts or self-harm, which requires immediate and emergency intervention. In such circumstances, consulting a psychologist or psychiatrist is not a choice but a necessity.

3. Barriers to Receiving Help During Crisis

Despite the increased need for psychological services during wartime, many individuals, especially immigrants, face barriers that make receiving help difficult. The first barrier is the shortage of therapeutic resources and capacity. In critical conditions, mental health systems in the country of origin may come under intense pressure and be unable to respond to the high volume of demand. For immigrants, this problem is exacerbated by geographical distance and lack of access to the healthcare system of their home country.

The second barrier is the high cost of psychological services in the host country. In many countries, the cost of a single in-person counseling session can be very high and unbearable for immigrants facing financial insecurity in their early years of immigration. The third barrier is linguistic and cultural obstacles. Expressing complex emotions in a language other than one's mother tongue is difficult and even impossible for many immigrants. Counselors unfamiliar with Iranian culture, family values, and the immigration experience may not be able to deeply understand the client's situation.

The fourth barrier is social stigma and fear of judgment. In many cultures, visiting a psychologist is still associated with a kind of taboo or stigma, and people fear being judged or blamed. This concern can be especially intense in small communities or environments where people of the same culture are present. The fifth barrier is time and location limitations. Many immigrants face busy work schedules, time differences with their home country, or long distances to counseling centers, making access to in-person services difficult. These barriers, combined, cause many in need to be deprived of professional help, and their psychological condition worsens.

4. Online Counseling; An Effective Solution in Critical Conditions

In the face of multiple barriers to receiving in-person services, online counseling, as an innovative and effective solution, has been able to remove many of these limitations. In critical conditions, especially during wartime, online counseling has unique advantages that make it an ideal option for immigrants.

The first advantage is access to Persian-speaking counselors. Immigrants can speak with counselors who not only are fluent in their mother tongue but are also familiar with the culture, values, and specific challenges of Iranians abroad. This cultural understanding makes the therapeutic process deeper and more effective. The second advantage is time and location flexibility. Online counseling eliminates the need for physical presence, and individuals can hold their sessions from home, work, or anywhere with internet access. This feature is especially valuable in conditions where movement is restricted or when an individual avoids leaving home due to anxiety.

The third advantage is cost reduction. Online counseling is generally more affordable than in-person counseling due to the elimination of overhead costs such as office rent and commuting, allowing individuals with limited budgets to receive more regular sessions. The fourth advantage is privacy protection. Clients can speak about sensitive issues in a safe environment without fear of others' judgment. The fifth advantage is quick access in critical conditions. In emergencies where an individual needs immediate psychological support, online counseling can provide an immediate response. During the recent crises, remote counseling services played a very important role in creating psychological calm and were active around the clock. This experience shows that online counseling is not only a suitable alternative but a necessity in critical conditions.

5. Therapyta; Specialized Support for Iranians During Crisis

Therapyta, as the first comprehensive health-oriented platform specifically for Iranians abroad, with a deep understanding of the psychological challenges caused by war and political crises, provides a safe and professional environment for counseling and psychotherapy services to Iranians anywhere in the world. Therapyta's specialized team consists of experienced psychologists and psychiatrists who themselves have experienced immigration and life abroad and are fully familiar with the specific anxieties, concerns, and challenges of Iranians during crises.

Therapyta's services include psychological and psychiatric counseling, academic and career counseling, pharmaceutical consultation, guidance for cultural adaptation and lifestyle, and speech therapy—all delivered online through video, audio, or text. All counselors active on therapyta hold official licenses from the Psychological System Organization, and their credentials are thoroughly verified before collaboration, ensuring users can benefit from their expertise with complete confidence. In circumstances where war anxiety, worry about family, and political instability have affected the lives of many Iranians abroad, Therapyta, by providing immediate and accessible services, helps them face these crises in a healthier way and strengthen their psychological resilience.

6. Conclusion

War and political crises, beyond physical destruction, create a profound crisis in mental health. In such circumstances, the demand for psychological services increases dramatically, and many individuals, especially immigrants, face an urgent need for professional support. Recognizing warning signs and understanding when to consult a counselor can be a vital step on the path to maintaining mental health. Multiple barriers—such as shortage of resources, high costs, linguistic obstacles, and social stigma—make access to help difficult, but online counseling has been able to remove many of these barriers and make psychological services more accessible to immigrants. Specialized platforms like therapyta, by providing diverse and high-quality services in Persian, play an important role in supporting Iranians abroad during crises. Remember that seeking help in critical conditions is not a sign of weakness but a sign of courage and responsibility toward your own health and that of your loved ones.