Over 114 million people are displaced globally and forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, and human rights violations. We consider the mental health impacts of forced displacement
In recent years, the multifaceted issue of forced displacement, a phenomenon that imposes involuntary relocation due to conflict, persecution, environmental disasters, and human rights violations, has grown increasingly prominent. Of the numerous challenges faced by displaced individuals, the impact on mental health is particularly profound and far-reaching.
Concurrently, the expansive and intricate nature of mental health disorders, often exacerbated by the stress and trauma associated with displacement, is becoming more widely recognised. This discussion aims to shed light on the relationship between forced displacement and mental health, outlining the implications for both individuals and communities.
Global mental health overview
Mental health has emerged as a critical issue worldwide, accounting for 13% of the global burden of disease. (1) Understandably, mental health stigma often exacerbates the suffering of those affected, causing them to feel isolated and misunderstood.
Trauma resilience varies greatly among individuals and communities. Some people, despite experiencing severe distress, recover remarkably due to their inherent coping mechanisms. Such mechanisms include seeking help from loved ones, immersing oneself in hobbies or work, or practising mindfulness and relaxation techniques.
Community support, in particular, is instrumental in promoting mental health. It provides an environment of acceptance, understanding, and encouragement that helps individuals manage their conditions and regain their footing. By fostering such supportive communities, we can contribute significantly to alleviating the global mental health crisis.
Understanding forced displacement
There were an estimated 272 million international migrants in 2019. (2) While community support plays a pivotal role in mitigating mental health issues, the situation becomes exponentially complex and challenging in cases of forced displacement. Forced displacement refers to situations where individuals are compelled to leave their homes due to unforeseen circumstances such as war, natural disasters, persecution, or other forms of violence. This involuntary migration often leads to severe psychological distress due to the sudden loss of home, community, and a sense of security.
Displaced individuals often face mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD. The role of mental health services and community support in the aftermath of displacement is significant. It not only provides immediate relief but also helps individuals and families navigate their new environments, fostering resilience and aiding in the mental health recovery process. However, addressing the mental health impacts of displacement requires a comprehensive approach that goes beyond immediate relief, involving long-term psychological support and social integration strategies.
PTSD in displaced persons
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the prevalence of common mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) tends to be higher among migrants and refugees than among host populations. PTSD is often triggered by the harrowing events individuals have had to endure.
The displacement effects, including loss of home, safety, and familiarity, greatly contribute to the PTSD prevalence. Experiences fraught with danger, uncertainty, and often violence are ripe for the development of this disorder.
PTSD can manifest itself in various ways among the displaced, including recurrent, intrusive memories of the traumatic event, nightmares and sleep disturbances, emotional numbness and avoidance of reminders of the trauma.
Given the high prevalence of PTSD among displaced persons, mental health interventions are crucial. The WHO suggests that providing mental health care through general health care can aid in identifying migrants and refugees suffering from mental health conditions while also making care more accessible and cost-effective. It recommends the use of the mhGAP intervention guides, specifically the mhGAP-HIG and mhGAP-IG, in adapting interventions to migrant and refugee populations, considering language and cultural differences. It is important to ensure that the mental health interventions provided are consistent with the national guidelines and policies on the mental health of the host country.
Barriers to mental health care
Several factors contribute to challenges in receiving mental health care:
Insufficient resources: Many refugee camps and resettlement areas simply lack the resources to provide comprehensive mental health services. This includes both financial constraints and the absence of trained mental health professionals.
Cultural barriers: Cultural misunderstandings may hinder the delivery of effective mental health support. The stigma associated with mental health may also deter people from seeking help.
Language difficulties: Language barriers often prevent people from accessing mental health services, even when they are available.
Limited accessibility: In some cases, services may be available but inaccessible due to geographical isolation or overburdened facilities.
Overcoming these and other rehabilitation barriers is crucial to addressing mental health needs among displaced populations. It requires a concerted global effort, underpinned by empathy, understanding, and a commitment to safeguarding the rights and wellbeing of all individuals.
Importance of mental health rehabilitation
Rehabilitation strategies are essential to foster trauma recovery, support systems, coping mechanisms, and healing processes in displaced individuals.
By employing tailored rehabilitation strategies, mental health professionals can address specific traumatic experiences, thereby facilitating the healing process. These strategies, which may include therapy, counselling, and medication, offer a path toward stability and recovery.
Support systems are crucial to these rehabilitation strategies. They provide an environment of understanding and empathy, offering displaced individuals a sense of belonging and safety. This supportive network can significantly aid in stabilising mental health conditions and foster resilience.
Coping mechanisms are also integral to mental health rehabilitation. These mechanisms, which can be taught and reinforced through therapeutic interventions, help individuals manage stress, anxiety, and other psychological challenges linked to displacement.
References
- https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health
- World Migration Report 2020. International Organization for Migration, Geneva
