Lebanese turn to ChatGPT for mental health support amid political, economic hardship
With therapy out of reach, many rely on AI tools for comfort—but experts warn of emotional risks
BEIRUT, Lebanon (MNTV) — As Lebanon grapples with the aftermath of war, displacement, and economic collapse, a growing number of Lebanese are turning to artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT for emotional support, in the absence of accessible mental health care.
Zainab Dhaher, a 34-year-old mother of two, fled her southern Lebanese village last September as Israeli shelling intensified.
The family’s displacement journey took them to Beirut, but even there, they remained within the range of attacks. “We moved from place to place without any help—no food, no blankets,” she recalled talking to Al-Jazeera.
Months after a US-brokered ceasefire came into effect in November, the violence and fear have not subsided.
Israeli strikes continue in southern Lebanon, and nearly 90,000 people remain displaced, unable to return to destroyed or occupied villages.
With therapy unaffordable—costing between $40 and $100 per session—Zainab turned to ChatGPT after reading about its use for mental health self-assessments.
But the bot’s diagnosis suggestions, which included PTSD and schizophrenia, left her feeling worse. “It shook me,” she said. “But I can’t afford real therapy. I earn $400 a month, and rent is triple that.”
Zainab’s experience reflects a broader mental health crisis in Lebanon. Years of compounded crises—including the 2019 financial collapse, the 2020 Beirut port explosion, and the recent conflict—have left the population deeply affected.
Mental health experts report a sharp rise in anxiety, depression, and trauma-related conditions, particularly among those near the southern border and frontline workers.
“There is no national strategy for psychological recovery,” said Dr. Randa Baraja, a clinical psychologist at the CPRM Clinic in Beirut. “The trauma is generational and collective.”
Baraja noted a growing number of young Lebanese using ChatGPT as an emotional outlet. “They confide in it, seek comfort, even ask for diagnoses,” she said.
But she cautioned that AI lacks the emotional nuance essential for healing. “It may delay necessary professional intervention. People think they’re improving, but often they’re not.”
Others shared similar experiences. Sarah Rammal, a 22-year-old fashion entrepreneur from al-Aadaissah, lost her home and business during the war.
She initially found solace in nightly conversations with ChatGPT. “It was easier than talking to someone,” she said. “But eventually, it didn’t help anymore. I was stuck in the same cycle of sadness.”
After one therapy session, Sarah said she felt relief. “I still use AI, but I now understand it can’t replace human connection.”
Embrace, a Lebanese mental health NGO, has seen a spike in calls from youth. Many mention using AI tools to cope. “It’s easy and free, but not a long-term solution,” said Rania, a hotline responder.
To address the gap, Embrace and the Ministry of Health launched a free app, Step-by-Step, tailored for mental health support.
Zainab, now back in her village, is trying to rebuild. “We left the war,” she said quietly. “But the war didn’t leave us.”
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