Forced Migration and Mental Health: The Unseen Scars

Forced migration is a global crisis that has reached unprecedented levels. According to the United Nations, there are currently over 25 million refugees and 40 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) worldwide. These individuals have been forced to flee their homes due to war, violence, persecution, or natural disasters.

Forced migration has a devastating impact on both the physical and mental health of those affected. The journey to safety is often perilous, and refugees and IDPs may witness or experience violence, trauma, and loss. Once they reach their destination, they often face discrimination, xenophobia, and poverty.

These factors can lead to a range of mental health problems, including:

Forced Migration and Mental Health: Rethinking the Care of Refugees and Displaced Persons (International and Cultural Psychology)

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• Depression
• Anxiety
• Post-traumatic stress disFree Download (PTSD)
• Psychosis
• Substance abuse
• Suicidal thoughts and behaviors

Mental health problems can have a profound impact on the lives of refugees and IDPs. They can make it difficult to work, study, or engage in social activities. They can also lead to physical health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.

In addition to the direct impact on mental health, forced migration can also have a negative impact on social and economic development. Refugees and IDPs often have difficulty integrating into their new communities and may face discrimination and exclusion. This can lead to social unrest and instability.

The mental health needs of refugees and IDPs are often overlooked and underfunded. There is a lack of awareness about the psychological consequences of forced displacement, and few resources are available to provide support to those affected.

There is a need for a concerted effort to address the mental health needs of refugees and IDPs. This includes:

• Providing access to mental health care
• Training mental health professionals to work with refugees and IDPs
• Raising awareness about the psychological consequences of forced displacement
• Advocating for policies that support the mental health of refugees and IDPs

Forced migration is a global crisis that has a devastating impact on mental health. We must do more to support those who have been forced to flee their homes and to ensure that they have access to the mental health care they need to rebuild their lives.

References

• United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). (2020). Global trends: Forced displacement in 2019. Geneva: UNHCR.
• World Health Organization (WHO). (2019). Mental health of refugees and migrants: A global overview. Geneva: WHO.
• Steel, Z., Silove, D., & Marnane, C. (2009). Beyond numbers: The mental health of refugees and asylum seekers. New York: Springer.

Forced Migration and Mental Health: Rethinking the Care of Refugees and Displaced Persons (International and Cultural Psychology)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3207 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	228 pages

FREE