Supporting the Mental Health of Refugees in America
Supporting the mental health of refugees in America should start with including mental health professionals in the rescue team to offer psychosocial help to the refugees (Daod, 2018). As noted by (Zayas, 2019), refugees should be given safety and compassion rather than being instilled with hostility and fear. Therefore, the detention centers for holding refugees should be replaced with asylums where children can live safely with their parents (Daod, 2018). In these asylums, refugees should receive medical treatment, including mental health evaluations.
Unique Challenges Faced by Refugees
Refugees face unique challenges, such as discrimination, especially in employment. Refugee children also lose their childhood as they cannot enjoy play and the joy of living in a family setting like other children (Zayas, 2019). Furthermore, refugee children miss out on quality education, which affects their future. Refugees also experience problems acquiring legal recognition and are therefore unable to earn a living for their families.
Dr. Zayas’ Hopes and Dr. Doad’s Approach to Refugee Mental Health
Dr. Doad’s approach and Dr. Zaya’s hope for refugees are practical and can be easily implemented, but only after all the stakeholders reach a consensus. Providing mental health to refugees and providing safe and friendly asylums can significantly reduce the high rates of mental health disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorders, suicidal thoughts, anxiety, and depression. Therefore, providing mental health to refugees is essential as it improves their well-being and quality of life.
Common Mental Health Conditions Refugees
The incidence of mental health diagnosis among refugees differs with individual groups and their experiences. Some of the most common mental health conditions among refugees include post-traumatic stress disorders, suicidal thoughts, anxiety, depression, night terrors, and dissociative reactions.
How to Combat Stigma Surrounding Mental Health
Stigma in mental health entails negatively viewing a person due to their mental problems. Different approaches can help combat mental health, especially among refugees. People with mental health issues should be perceived positively and not referred to according to their illness. People should talk, be conscious of their language, show empathy and compassion, and be sincere about treatment. Most importantly, people should perceive mental and physical health as equal.
References
Daod, E. (2018). “How we can bring mental health support to refugees“ [Video]. TED. Web.
Zayas, L. H. (2019). “The psychological impact of child separation at the US-Mexico border“ [Video]. TED. Web.