According to the World Health Organization, refugee children are at a higher risk for mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These issues can severely impact a child’s development and future. At A Body and Mind Health Services, we understand the many factors that can affect the mental health of refugee children and strive to provide therapeutic services that will help them lead happy lives in their new community.
In this article, we take a look at the challenges refugee children face, how mental health providers can help, and how community support that can play a positive role in treatment.
The Challenges Refugee Children Face
Trauma plays a significant role in many refugees’ lives. Refugee children, in particular, often experience trauma before, during, and after displacement. Trauma can come in many forms, such as witnessing violence, losing loved ones, or experiencing abuse. Youth who are displaced have often left behind belongings, homes, other family members, and their culture—entire pieces of their life and everything they’ve known and understood.
These experiences can have a profound impact on a child’s mental health and can lead to symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD. These symptoms can manifest in different ways, such as nightmares, flashbacks, and avoidance of certain places or people. Refugee children often experience additional stressors, such as language barriers, cultural differences, and loss of social support. These stressors can further exacerbate refugee mental health issues and make it difficult for children to cope.
Not all refugee children will develop mental health issues, and those who do may not experience the same symptoms. However, we recognize that all refugee children need support for their mental health.
Mental Health Services for Refugee Youth
Counseling, therapy, and other mental health services help refugee youth find support and, when necessary, longer-term treatment. These interventions can provide children with a safe space to process their experiences and develop coping skills. Additionally, counseling can help children to understand their feelings and emotions, which can be especially challenging for children who have experienced trauma.
Another key to addressing the mental health needs of refugee children is through safe spaces to play and be children. This can include access to recreational activities, such as sports and games, which can help children to cope with their experiences and provide them with a sense of normalcy. In a therapeutic context, providing children with access to art therapy, music therapy, and other creative outlets can be powerful tools in helping them to process their experiences and express their emotions.
Children aren’t the only ones facing challenges: families of refugee children also need support. Displaced adults have also experienced trauma and disruption and may struggle to provide a stable and supportive environment for their children. Parenting classes and support groups–in addition to one on one therapy—can help families better understand their children’s needs and provide them with the skills they need to support their mental health.
How Communities Can Support Refugee Children
Schools are essential spaces for displaced youth, as they can provide refugee children with a sense of stability and normalcy, as well as a sense of purpose and hope for the future. Joining a new school–especially when English isn’t your first language–can be stressful in and of itself. Still, the structure and opportunities for social interaction can benefit refugee children.
Schools can support displaced children by understanding the challenges these children face and ensuring that faculty and staff encourage peer support and intervene when necessary. Training faculty to be culturally informed can make a big difference in how they interact with refugee children.
Outside of schools, community support is crucial for resettlement. Providing education and resources for community members on how to support refugee children and recognize the signs of mental health issues is one way to build that support. Additionally, community members can provide social support and mentorship to refugee children, which can be especially important for children who have lost their families.
In all contexts, it is crucial to acknowledge the intersectionality of refugee mental health with other identities and experiences, such as race, gender, class, and other socio-economic factors. This ensures that the support and interventions are tailored to the specific needs of the refugee children and their families.
Refugee Support at A Body & Mind
Addressing the mental health needs of refugee children is a complex and multifaceted task that requires a holistic approach. This includes providing access to counseling and therapy, education, safe spaces to play, support for families, and working with local organizations and agencies. All refugee children are at risk and need support, and early intervention is vital to combatting long-term mental health issues. By working together and providing support, we can help refugee children heal and thrive in their new home.
For more information on supporting refugees in the Treasure Valley, or to start treatment with our experienced team, reach out to A Body & Mind.