Iran expands mental health services to 3.2 million people following crises

Iran's Ministry of Health has reported that approximately 3.2 million people have received mental health screening and specialized interventions following recent crises, including various conflict periods. To manage these psychological impacts, the Ministry has expanded its services, including the dedicated mental health line (190), which has handled up to 5,000 calls daily during peak crisis periods.

Key initiatives include the expansion of 'Seraaj' social-psychological centers, with a goal to reach 300 locations nationwide to provide free psychiatric, psychological, and social work services. The health network has also integrated Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) screening into its unified health system, alongside assessments for anxiety and depression.

In the education sector, officials in Alborz province are emphasizing the importance of teaching life skills—such as stress management, anger control, and problem-solving—to students to mitigate risks like anxiety and depression. These preventative measures are being implemented during National Mental Health Week to empower students, parents, and teachers.