Liberia, a country scarred by decades of civil war, economic hardship, and a fragile healthcare system, faces a significant mental health crisis. The country has endured unimaginable trauma, from the devastating Liberian civil wars (1989–1997, 1999–2003) that caused mass displacement, extreme violence, and loss of life, to the Ebola outbreak of 2014–2016. These events have left millions of Liberians struggling with mental health challenges, yet access to adequate mental health services remains critically limited.
In a context of overwhelming poverty, stigmatization of mental illness, and a lack of trained professionals, many Liberians are left without the proper care and support needed for recovery. Initiatives like We Are Like You, launched by Sisters Hospitallers, are crucial in providing specialized care to those most in need. This project, focused on women, is dedicated to tackling both the immediate mental health needs and the long-term social reintegration of people living with mental illness.
The Liberian civil wars left over 250,000 dead and displaced 1.3 million people—nearly half of the country’s population at the time. Thousands of children were recruited as soldiers and forced to commit atrocities, while many women suffered sexual violence. According to studies by the World Health Organization (WHO), around 40% of Liberians today suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, or other anxiety disorders, yet the majority remain untreated.
A 2011 study by the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative found that 44% of former child soldiers in Liberia displayed symptoms of PTSD, while 65% had depression. Many of these individuals remain marginalised and struggle to reintegrate into society.
Liberia’s healthcare system is severely underdeveloped, with less than 200 doctors serving a population of over 5.4 million. Mental health care is even more neglected:
This dire shortage means that mental health services are highly inaccessible, especially in rural areas. Many individuals with mental health issues face barriers to receiving care or must resort to harmful practices, such as being chained to trees or locked in their homes by family members due to fear or a lack of knowledge.
Liberia is one of the poorest countries in the world, with 64% of the population living below the poverty line (less than £1.70 per day). Economic hardship contributes to stress, anxiety, and depression, and prevents many from seeking care. Even when mental health services are available, treatment costs are often prohibitive, leaving the most vulnerable without help.
Mental illness in Liberia is highly stigmatised, often associated with witchcraft, curses, or spiritual possession. As a result:
The 2014–2016 Ebola outbreak, which killed over 4,800 Liberians, further intensified the country’s mental health crisis. Many survivors suffer from survivor’s guilt, depression, and anxiety. A 2018 study found that 48% of Ebola survivors in Liberia exhibited symptoms of PTSD, and many healthcare workers experienced burnout and trauma due to the overwhelming loss of life.
To address these overwhelming challenges, Sisters Hospitallers launched the We Are Like You project at the San Benito Menni Catholic Hospital in Monrovia. This initiative focuses on providing specialised mental health care, rehabilitation, and social reintegration, particularly for women facing mental illness.
Despite the significant progress made by We Are Like You, many challenges remain:
Liberia’s mental health crisis is one of the most pressing yet underfunded public health issues. The scars of war, poverty, and disease continue to affect millions, yet mental health remains a low priority in national policy. In this challenging landscape, We Are Like You is a lifeline for many women, providing essential care, combating stigma, and advocating for systemic change.
However, more international support is needed to ensure Liberia’s most vulnerable populations receive the mental health care they deserve. With continued investment, collaboration, and awareness, initiatives like We Are Like You can help build a future where mental illness is no longer a sentence of isolation, but a treatable condition with hope for recovery.