2023-10-09 08:58:57
According to a study carried out by the Red Cross, employment is the factor that most protects the mental health of immigrants, along with family ties and good living habits.
“Crossing borders, opening doors, closing wounds: a dialogic process about forced migration and the mental and psychosocial health of people who arrive in Spain (Andalusia)” is the study carried out by the Red Cross on the mental health of migrants.
During the operational phase of the report, They analyzed 1,025 cases and more than one hundred people and agents.
As a conclusion to the study, it has been prepared an action plan which includes and describes proposals
to improve the mental and psychosocial health of migrants.
Through day-to-day actions, we want to eradicate the problems detected, through the direct care, awareness-raising, cross-cultural training, intersectoral action and human rights advocacy.
Presentation of the study. Image provided by Red Cross
The focus of the study
In the study, the Red Cross has analyzed more than a thousand cases of migrants. In this way it has been possible to know what the mental health of those who find themselves in this situation is like. The results have collected impressions of both refugees and asylum seekers.
The study concludes that the situation that most protects against the risks and effects derived from
forced migration is employment. In the same way, the paid occupation, even if it is part of the underground economy.
On the other hand, it is family support essential both in the distance from the country of origin or upon arrival and the emotional connection with it, as well as maintaining healthy habits and lifestyle (which includes physical activity, nutrition, sleep hygiene and emotional health and sexual).
These are the factors that protect the mental health of migrants and that They are complemented by spiritual practices, education and training, social skills, and support from the social network.
Different needs
Throughout the study, the different vulnerabilities that must be addressed are exposed. Thus, we find differences when it comes to gender, race, age…
“Likewise, one of the most relevant issues is the importance of beginning to recognize migratory talent,” they say from the Red Cross. This involves carrying out a change of identity and social imaginary associated with migrants and refugees, which values their talent and leadership capacity.
Lastly, it is It is essential to create spaces free of violence and safe relationships as a requirement to repair, grow and start again.
Presentation of the study. Image provided by Red Cross
Mental health before, during and after migration
Before
From Red Cross remember that from the moment a migrant person sees exposed and flees her country in a forced manner to change her living conditions, the impact on her mental health and that of her family begins.
The truth is that migrants did not necessarily suffer from previous mental health problems. It is exposure to different types and levels of violence that can cause stressors of sufficient intensity to affect them.
According to the study, the period of greatest impact may occur between 6 months or 1 year before the escape.
During
Likewise, during the trip, the mental health of migrants is affected in different ways.
People who travel alone are less exposed than those who travel as a family. Families are more vulnerable, since when traveling with minors, the concern focuses more on the boys and girls.
After
As indicated by the Red Cross, the vast majority of mental health problems of migrants after arrival at the destination are of context. Thus, the problems communicating or finding a job are the most notable.
There is a first stage of greater involvement in the first six months from arrival, although the most pronounced symptoms disappear after fifteen or twenty days. Next, There is usually a “plateau” period in which they have a symptomatic stabilization by feeling that they are already in a safe environment.
Later, other problems usually arise due to the conditions in which they develop their new life: precariousness, communication and housing problems…
It’s not forever
However, as indicated in the Red Cross study: “Forced migration is not pathologizing: that is, it does not imply becoming ill for life, but with the corresponding treatment and support they manage to have a normalized life.”
These situations generate in migrants a resilience comparable to that of having overcome
any other experience of extreme emotional intensity (such as mourning the loss of a family member, a serious illness or cases of gender violence) and having won over adversity. In all these cases it is necessary that they have had psychosocial or psychological support throughout the process.
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