Liberia, a small country on the west coast of Africa, has a complex and tragic history shaped by over two decades of civil conflict. The scars of these wars—both visible and invisible—continue to impact the nation, leaving lasting psychological and emotional wounds on its population. The two civil wars (1989–1997, 1999–2003) tore the country apart, causing immense suffering, widespread displacement, and loss of life. Today, Liberia is still grappling with the repercussions of these traumatic events, and the need for mental health care and social healing has never been more urgent.
At Sisters Hospitallers, we are dedicated to addressing these critical needs through our We Are Like You project, which aims to support individuals, especially vulnerable women, affected by the mental health crisis in Liberia. Today, we would like to take a deeper look at one of the most difficult chapters in Liberia’s history and its lasting impact on its people.
The civil wars in Liberia were the result of complex political, social, and economic tensions that ultimately erupted into violence. The first civil war began in 1989, ignited by the rebel group National Patriotic Front of Liberia (NPFL), led by Charles Taylor. It quickly escalated into a full-blown conflict, marked by brutal fighting, massacres, and the involvement of child soldiers.
The war caused an estimated 250,000 deaths, and 1.3 million people—nearly half the country’s population—were displaced. The violence was pervasive, affecting every corner of Liberia, from rural villages to the capital, Monrovia. Widespread atrocities, including rape, mutilation, and torture, left both survivors and perpetrators deeply scarred.
In 1999, Liberia was again plunged into violence with the eruption of the Second Civil War, which continued until 2003. This period was marked by even more extreme levels of brutality. Children, as young as 10, were recruited as child soldiers, many of whom were forced to commit unspeakable acts of violence. The conflict didn’t just end with the signing of peace agreements in 2003—it left behind an entire generation of Liberians who had been exposed to violence, terror, and trauma.
The mental health effects of the civil wars have been profound and far-reaching. Millions of Liberians continue to live with the psychological aftermath of the violence they witnessed and experienced. According to studies conducted by organizations like the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative, 40% of Liberians suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and other mental health conditions. These disorders have taken root deeply in the national consciousness, affecting people’s ability to heal, rebuild, and move forward.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one of the most prevalent mental health conditions among Liberians who lived through the civil wars. PTSD manifests as recurring flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and emotional numbness. For many survivors, especially former child soldiers and those who witnessed the deaths of loved ones, these symptoms continue to disrupt their daily lives.
Former child soldiers, in particular, are a deeply affected group. Many were abducted, trained, and forced to commit violent acts, only to be left without any psychological support or tools for reintegration once the wars ended. According to reports, approximately 60% of child soldiers in Liberia experienced severe PTSD symptoms, leaving them unable to function normally in society or maintain healthy relationships.
Women, who were disproportionately affected by the civil wars in Liberia, have also borne a heavy psychological toll. They were often subjected to sexual violence, including rape, forced marriage, and abduction. These traumatic experiences have left deep scars on their mental health. Many women experience depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. The emotional trauma associated with sexual violence can persist long after the physical wounds have healed, and many women continue to struggle in silence due to the stigma surrounding mental health and sexual abuse.
Liberian women who experienced violence during the civil wars often face a double stigma—not only because of their mental health conditions but also due to the cultural stigma around sexual violence. As a result, many women either do not seek treatment or are unable to access the necessary support to recover.
The trauma experienced during the civil wars is not limited to the generation that lived through the conflict. The next generation—children who grew up in the aftermath of the wars—have also been affected. The psychological trauma that parents and caregivers experience often affects their ability to care for their children, creating a cycle of emotional distress that can persist for generations.
Children who were exposed to war trauma, either directly or indirectly, can experience developmental issues such as emotional dysregulation, behavioral problems, and academic difficulties. Furthermore, children who were displaced or orphaned by the wars face unique challenges in terms of psychological recovery and reintegration into their communities.
Economic instability also compounds the psychological burden of the civil wars. After two decades of conflict, Liberia’s economy was shattered. Unemployment rates remain high, and poverty continues to affect a large portion of the population. Economic hardship adds another layer of stress and anxiety to a society already grappling with the legacy of war.
For many Liberians, basic survival takes precedence over mental health care, and seeking therapy or counseling is often not seen as a priority. This further isolates those struggling with trauma, as they face both the social stigma of mental illness and the inability to access treatment due to financial constraints.
While Liberia’s mental health infrastructure is critically underdeveloped, initiatives to address these challenges are slowly gaining ground. Organizations such us, through our We Are Like You project, are providing much-needed mental health care and social reintegration programs for individuals affected by trauma. These programs offer counseling, psychosocial support, and vocational training to help individuals regain their dignity and place within society.
Efforts to combat the stigma surrounding mental health are also key to healing. Public awareness campaigns, along with education programs aimed at dispelling myths about mental illness, are essential in helping Liberians seek the help they need.
Despite the challenges, there is hope. Community-based support and international partnerships are slowly helping Liberia heal from the trauma of war. But for real change to take place, there must be a sustained effort to prioritize mental health care, ensure access to treatment, and provide long-term social support to those who are suffering.
Liberia remains a nation deeply scarred by its civil wars. The psychological scars left by two decades of violence continue to haunt its people, with millions living with the lasting effects of trauma, anxiety, depression, and PTSD. However, the resilience of Liberians, supported by growing mental health initiatives, offers hope for a brighter future.
At Sisters Hospitallers, we are committed to contributing to the healing process by providing much-needed mental health support through our We Are Like You. This project not only helps those directly affected by the trauma of war but also serves as an example of the power of solidarity and care in the face of adversity.
The road to healing will not be easy, but by acknowledging the trauma and prioritizing mental health care, Liberia can begin to rebuild its society, one individual at a time. As the country moves forward, it must continue to invest in mental health services, break down the stigma surrounding mental illness, and provide the necessary resources for a truly healing society.
In our next post, we will explore other important aspects of Liberia, shedding light on the country’s progress, challenges, and the ongoing efforts to create a better future for its people.
You can be part of this healing process. Join us in supporting the We Are Like You project and help bring hope and mental health care to those who need it most. Together, we can make a difference.