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Severe psychological trauma causes lasting damage — this program acts as a vaccine.

The World Health Organization developed an intervention that can cut the damaging effects of trauma by half. However, given its newness, it is unknown to many, at times hard to find, and cumbersome on older phones common in crisis zones.

To solve this, the current platform hosts every available edition for free — across 48 languages — so you can easily find it, access, and share with those who may need it rapidly.

Key adaptations:

  • Fast in-line content viewer instead of large file downloads.
  • Adaptive content presentation based on speed of connection.
  • Functional on older "no-JavaScript" browsers.

On a side note, you may also download the longer facilitator audio files, or contact the WHO to learn more from the relevant pages.

For those not in a crisis or war-zone situation, this represents an accessible, stigma-free, evidence-based way to learn the core elements of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

The evidence

  • In Syrian refugees: depression cut by 45%, PTSD by 54%, anxiety by 49%. (World Psychiatry, 2022)
  • In South Sudanese refugee women without pre-existing disorders: 84% lower risk of developing a mental disorder. (BMJ Open, 2023)
  • Tested in nearly 1,800 people across countries. Benefits are strongest and most lasting when the trauma is severe and ongoing.

How to use

1 Choose your language below.
2 Start reading the illustrated guide from the beginning.
3 Listen to the guided audio when the booklet tells you to.

Access the intervention in your language

Developed by the World Health Organization and adapted locally by regional health organizations worldwide. Choose a region to find your language.

Originally published by the World Health Organization. Hosted here under CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO.

Humanitarian Acknowledgment
Carrying It Forward

These individuals and organizations helped carry this program to communities in crisis — through broadcasts, outreach, and the willingness to amplify a message when it mattered most.

  • Alireza Hekmatshoar
  • Debbie Amini
  • Radio IRAN KIRN 670 AM
  • Asr Emrooz
  • Laureline Soler
  • Soheil Alimadad

Share this with everyone who needs it

Know someone going through a hard time? This WHO program could prevent them from developing depression, PTSD, or anxiety. Send them the link.

Paste it in a text, email, WhatsApp, or any social platform

Information on this web site is provided for informational purposes only. The information reflects years of practice experience by the author. This information is not a substitute for advice from your healthcare professional. Do not use information on this web site for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, prescribing medication, or selecting any treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or using any treatment for a health problem. If you have or suspect a medical problem, contact your health care provider promptly. Do not disregard or delay seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this web site. Viewing or using this website DOES NOT create a doctor-patient relationship between you and any clinician affiliated with this website. None of the content constitutes advertising or endorsement of any treatments, products, or services. Information and statements regarding treatments, unless otherwise explicitly stated, have not been necessarily evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, mitigate, or prevent any disease. Third-party content hosted on this site, including WHO materials, is provided as a public service and does not imply endorsement by or affiliation with the originating organization. In emergencies, call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room.

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