Strengthening Mental Health in Conflict and Post-Conflict Contexts: Insights from Armenia

This chapter draws from experiences presented at the NATO Advanced Research Workshop (ARW) ‘Digital Tools for Prevention, Mitigation, and Treatment of Traumatic Stress Responses in Terror and War - Contemporary Practices and Novel Insights’, held in Tbilisi, Georgia, from September 10th to 13th, 2024. It examines the mental health landscape in Armenia amid ongoing conflict and post-conflict challenges, highlighting key obstacles such as limited resources, stigma, and institutional over-reliance. The discussion emphasizes primary prevention strategies, resilience-building initiatives, and therapeutic approaches like CBT, EMDR, and posttraumatic growth (PTG). Special attention is given to the integration of digital tools, including e-learning management systems (LMS) for widespread education and training, to enhance scalability and accessibility in conflict zones. By fostering national resilience and shifting toward community-based care, these efforts align with the workshop’s focus on innovative, culturally sensitive interventions for traumatic stress.