Beirut - Post Report Question and Answers
Are there any particular mental health issues that tend to crop up at post, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (winter blues)?
You definitely get a bit frustrated if you don't leave in between R&Rs. Please try and get out during long weekends. You have Turkey, the gulf, and direct flights to Europe in the summer. You really don't realize how much not being to just walk around and not have a curfew can put a damper on your mental health. Sure we have a great community and we all have fun here, but if you stay here too long it can certainly get to you. This place is not conducive to a healthy work-life balance, so you will definitely always feel like you are at work. - Aug 2024
This seems to be the most widely expressed concern among friends and colleagues. The blurred line between work and home, the long hours, and the inability to get out and enjoy the nearby amenities has a noticeable effect on morale and mental health. Even before the stricter security restrictions kicked in a year ago, this was already a very high stress post. Since then there have been major issues with resiliency and community morale. If you're at all uncertain about your mental health or ability to handle stress, I would strongly recommend reconsidering taking an assignment here. - Oct 2020
The isolation and restrictions can be very pressing on mental health. Curtailments are not that rare. - May 2019
If you live in a compound and aren't able to leave at your own will, I would advise to bring some happy pills with you. - Jul 2016
