Finding Freedom: Adem's Quest for Wellbeing

On a warm autumn morning, Adem* walks through the quiet streets of Mersin, in Türkiye's southeast, and takes a deep breath. “Most of my life has been spent moving from one place to another,” he says, a hint of sadness in his eyes as he reflects on his past. His journey here from the rural areas of Homs in Syria was filled with challenges; but today, every step he takes carries a glimmer of hope.

Adem, known for his confectionery skills, had once fulfilled his dream of running his own business in Syria. However, the outbreak of conflict in 2011 turned his life upside down. “We all faced our share of hardship. I had no choice but to flee,” he recalls of those dark years. The war and the trauma it caused left him feeling trapped, and eventually, he sought refuge in Türkiye.

But, as with many who were forced to flee their homes, he also faced difficulties establishing his new life. “When I first arrived, everything was unfamiliar. I didn’t know the language or the culture. I was exploited in the places I tried to work, but I had to work.”.

At his first job, Adem was subjected to mistreatment and threats, worsening his already fragile mental state. Living in constant fear while battling the scars of the past, he struggled to get by. “Every day was filled with fear; even the noises in the street made me uneasy. I just wanted to sleep all the time,” he remembers.

Adem learned through a friend about the Mersin Municipal Migrant and Community Centre, run by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in partnership with the municipality. Encouraged by his friend’s advice, he reached out to the centre, where he received the psychosocial support he very much needed. “At first, I thought I’d only get information, but the support I received became the most beneficial aspect.” The support he received not only eased his trauma but also helped him regain his footing in life.

Adem recalls one coping technique he learned during one of the sessions at the centre. “My counsellor gave me a metaphorical jar, telling me to symbolically place my problems and the people who troubled me inside, distancing myself from them,” he shares.

Adem's counsellor, Sabahat, recounts how much he has grown since they first met. "Adem's life was shattered. Everyday experiences we take for granted – sounds, smells, darkness, light – were overwhelming obstacles. We did our best to help him heal his wounds. Now, his sleep has improved, his appetite has returned, and his life has transformed."

“In the beginning, I didn’t think I could overcome the things I had experienced. The events of my past felt like obstacles that were constantly in my way. But slowly, I managed to overcome these barriers and rebuild my life,” Adem says with a smile. This also had an impact on his relationships and professional life. Where once he feared communicating with others, Adem now faces the world with newfound confidence.

Today, after four years in Türkiye, Adem exudes a new sense of calm and control. For the first time, he is able to look to the future with hope.

“I want to return to confectionery and start my own business,” he says with his eyes lighting up. The support he received has shaped this dream, allowing him to step out of the darkness of war.

For Adem, the plan to open a bakery is not just about building a business. He wishes to help others who are struggling like he once did. “I want to touch the lives of people like me.”

As we commemorate World Mental Health Day on 10 October, Adem emphasises the importance of recognising mental well-being. “I used to come from a society that didn’t value mental health, but after seeing and understanding how it impacted my life, I realise how crucial it is,” he remarks.

Adem’s story is a testament to the transformative power of psychosocial support for those who have gone through challenging migration journeys. Promoting mental health not only helps people individually but also contributes to the healing of society as a whole.

“Just as the body can fall ill, so can the soul. And often, it’s even harder to heal,” Adem explains – reminding that one should never lose faith in themselves or their future.

*Names and identifying details have been altered to maintain privacy.

The Mersin Municipal Migrant and Community Centre was established by IOM in partnership with the Mersin Metropolitan Municipality, through the financial support of the United States Government. It is one of four nationwide that provide needed assistance to migrants and refugees and connects them to services.

Written by Utku Şenbayrak, IOM Türkiye National Communications Officer