As a result of multiple civil wars, the largest Ebola epidemic in history, and pervasive gender-based violence, trauma is widespread throughout Libera.  Additionally, due to widespread poverty and dependence on climate-sensitive sectors (agriculture and forestry), Liberia is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. As a result of extreme poverty, complex emergencies, and worsening climate change, Liberia is facing a mental health crisis. Yet with an estimated 40% of Liberians experiencing post-traumatic stress and/or a major depressive disorder, fewer than 1% of Liberians have access to mental health services. Women suffer the worst from trauma and depression, but have few options to receive support or take action to mitigate the effects of climate change in their communities.

One Day’s Wages is partnering for a second year with Restore Hope Liberia to provide mental health services for women and to create climate-adapted livelihood opportunities in Kolahun District. Drawing on RHL’s proven model of 12-week Interpersonal Group Psychotherapy, this project will expand mental health services into two new districts in Lofa County with the goal of reducing the prevalence and severity of depression. Additionally, RHL is partnering with a local agroforestry organization to integrate mental health services into a new demonstration Community Food Forest in order to mitigate the effects of climate change through tree planting and protecting forestland. The food forest is community-led, and utilizes indigenous knowledge and practices to grow edible plants. Through this project, RHL is addressing an increasingly important risk factor to mental health – food security and climate resiliency – through support of sustainable forest use while providing effective mental health therapy for common mental health disorders.