August 3rd marked 10 years since the Islamic State militants (ISIS) attacked the Yazidi community in Sinjar, northern Iraq, resulting in the death and disappearance of thousands of men, women, and children.

The Yazidis are a religious minority indigenous to Kurdistan, which spans parts of Iraq, Syria, Turkey, and Iran. Their religion blends beliefs and traditions from ancient Iranian faiths, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The Yazidis have maintained their distinct identity despite historic persecution, which came to a head with the rise of ISIS.

JRS is dedicated to accompanying and amplifying the voices of all survivors and displaced Yazidis, who have lost so much. Here we share the stories of Lamiya and Nadia, two Yazidi women who, after facing many struggles, are rebuilding their lives.

Lamiya Sews Together a New Life

Lamiya, 36, was displaced from Sinjar-Khanasor in Ninewa in 2014. After living in Sulaymaniyah until 2020, she moved to Sharya-Kharshnya with her husband and four children. Her husband’s heart condition and her eldest son’s diabetes added to their challenges.

Lamiya’s mental health suffered after displacement, prompting her move to Sharya to be near relatives. Through the JRS Family Visit Team, she learned about JRS’s services and began sessions with a psychotherapist. The therapist recommended Lamiya engage more with others, leading her to a sewing course offered by JRS.

Lamiya attended the course for three months, mastering the craft and boosting her confidence and sense of well-being. After completing the course, she received a sewing machine from JRS.

With her new skills, Lamiya started a business, setting up a small sewing shop in her home. Her family’s financial situation has improved since she can now supplement the income of her husband, a day laborer.

From Challenge to Triumph: Nadia’s Journey of Recovery

Nadia is a 56-year-old woman from Sinjar. She and her extended family lived a modest life working in agriculture.

But then came the ISIS attack of August 3, 2014. Nadia and her family sought refuge on Mount Sinjar for eight days before being forced to leave due to a brother’s wife’s illness. When they tried to return to Sinjar, hoping to reach Kurdistan, they were kidnapped and taken to Mosul. Their two months of captivity involved constant relocation amid bombings. Her sister-in-law deteriorated and passed away.

Nadia and her brother eventually escaped from ISIS with the help of acquaintances. They sought refuge at a Yazidi temple in the north of Mount Sinjar. “I was suffering from psychological distress, experiencing persistent sadness, mood swings, lethargy, fainting spells, negative thoughts, and suicidal ideation,” Nadia said. She was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and severe depressive disorder by a psychiatrist in Dohuk, but financial constraints hindered her consistent access to medication.

In March 2019, she was referred to the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Project by the JRS Family Visit team. After support provided by JRS psychiatrists which included cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness exercises. After a year of consistent care, she significantly improved.

JRS also supported Nadia with cash assistance, food baskets, and referrals for vocational training and recreational activities. She continues to take medication to prevent relapse. She says, “I am grateful for the support I received, and now I advocate for others to seek similar assistance.”