Idaho welcomes hundreds of refugees each year. These families have fled unimaginable circumstances and left behind communities, houses, belongings, culture, and more. When arriving in Idaho for resettlement, many are exhausted and traumatized and in need of many kinds of support–especially mental health support.
We work with refugee families at A Body & Mind Health Services to provide mental health support. While every individual’s experiences are different, there are commonalities within refugee populations regarding the types of issues those experiences can result in. Here’s a look at some common mental health issues refugees face.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
For refugees, the trauma of fleeing their homes, losing loved ones, and adjusting to a new culture can have a lasting impact. One of the most prevalent mental health issues stemming from their experiences is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Given the severity and complexity of the trauma refugees experience before displacement and the often traumatic experience of displacement and resettlement itself, it’s no surprise that PTSD is so common and, unfortunately, so challenging.
PTSD can manifest in a number of ways, including nightmares, flashbacks, avoidance, and intense emotional responses. It can affect every person differently, however, and the symptoms and effects can be exacerbated by the stressors involved in resettlement. PTSD can significantly impact development in refugee youth, ultimately leading to potential long-term effects, which is why early intervention and treatment are so necessary.
Depression
Another common mental health concern for refugees is depression, which can occur without or alongside PTSD. A number of factors, including loss, trauma, and uncertainty can cause depression. For refugees, the loss of their homes, communities, and loved ones can result in feelings of hopelessness and despair. Additionally, the stress of adjusting to a new culture, learning a new language, and finding work can all contribute to depression.
Depression can make everyday life difficult, and that can add to the stress and trauma for those in the process of resettlement. Adults and children experiencing depression can get treatment–including counseling, therapy, and medication–to alleviate some of the symptoms. This can make joining the community and finding their place easier and more enjoyable.
Anxiety
Anxiety can be caused by a number of factors, including fear, uncertainty, and stress. For refugees, the fear of persecution, the uncertainty of their future, and the stress of adjusting to a new culture can all contribute to feelings of anxiety. Additionally, many refugees have experienced traumatic events and may have persistent fears about their safety and the safety of their loved ones, even once resettled. Fortunately, anxiety–just like PTSD and depression–is treatable, and therapy offers tools to help refugees manage it.
Other Mental Wellness Challenges
Cultural shock is the process of adjusting to a new culture and can cause feelings of confusion, frustration, and isolation. Many refugees deal with a degree of shock as they now live in a completely different culture. They may struggle to understand their new community’s customs, values, and expectations, which can lead to feelings of isolation and alienation. Even if this does not cause additional issues like depression or anxiety, it can still impact the resettlement process. Many displaced individuals find therapy helpful for dealing with the adjustment of living in a new culture.
Finally, refugees may also experience a lack of access to mental health services due to language barriers, lack of insurance, or lack of knowledge about available services. Additionally, cultural stigma surrounding mental health can prevent refugees from seeking help.
These mental health concerns are not unique to refugees and can affect anyone who has experienced trauma or loss. However, the combination of these experiences and the added stress of adjusting to a new culture can make these concerns particularly challenging for refugees.
Help for Refugees in Idaho
We work to provide support and resources to help refugees adjust to their new communities and address their mental health needs. This includes providing access to counseling and therapy, as well as support and resources to help refugees adjust to their new communities. Community support is also crucial–this includes those who work to reduce the stigma around mental illness.
Community support is also needed to address the structural factors contributing to refugees’ poor mental health. These include a lack of access to basic needs such as housing, food, and education, as well as discrimination and marginalization within host communities. Generally, our area is supportive and welcoming to incoming refugees, but community support is still needed to continue to promote better mental health for the population.
By working together, we can help to support the mental well-being of refugees and ensure that they are able to rebuild their lives in a new home. For more information on refugee support, or to get help today, reach out to A Body & Mind.