Becoming a refugee is one of the most difficult experiences a person can go through. Not only are refugees’ lives in danger at the time they flee, but they are also forced to leave their beloved homes and often, their families as well.

Even if they do manage to make it to safety, most refugees face hostility, discrimination, and often, poor living conditions. Many struggle to acclimate to a new culture and have trouble finding work and making ends meet.

With these factors in mind, it’s no wonder that many refugees struggle with mental health conditions. Refugee status takes its toll, and many have to cope with declining mental health as they do what they can to get through each day.

Common Mental Health Conditions Among Refugees

No one wants to become a refugee. Even if a person dreams of living abroad, they want to do it on their own terms, not because of war, oppression, or extreme poverty. It is a traumatic experience to be forced out of one’s home and separated from family. Additionally, not knowing the language in their new country, employment issues, and the stress of being treated as “other” by their new communities can cause chronic anxiety.

The trauma and stress of being a refugee can contribute to a number of different mental health conditions. The mental health needs of refugees are very different from the needs of the general population, simply because their situation is so stressful that it affects their daily health and well-being. Some of the most common mental health concerns refugees face include:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Substance abuse
• Suicidal thoughts

It’s not surprising that people who are fleeing for their lives might feel anxious at the thought of their families being left behind or their homeland destroyed. They might be anxious or depressed about the future and cope with that using addictive substances or even have suicidal thoughts. This is why it’s so important to provide refugees with mental health support that will help them heal and settle into their new lives.

The Societal Impact of Refugee Mental Health Conditions

Among asylum-seekers, the rates of depression, PTSD, and anxiety disorders are much higher than those of the general public, and these individuals are five times more likely to need help from a mental health professional. Unfortunately, they rarely receive even the most basic mental healthcare support.

Even though they have a greater need for mental health services, most refugees do not get the help they need to cope with their struggles. They may lack access to healthcare services in general or live in an environment that is adversely affecting their health. As an additional hurdle, many cultures continue to stigmatize people who seek mental health services.

Undiagnosed mental illness causes unnecessary suffering and can impact the community as a whole. Members of the wider community need to offer support and resources for refugee mental health, in addition to providing a welcoming atmosphere that encourages refugees to thrive in their new situation.

How You Can Help Refugees Abroad and in Your Area

Refugees have been through a lot, and most of them have a long way to go in establishing a life and career in their new home. If you’re concerned about the lack of support for refugees, then it’s time to get involved! You can help people in your own backyard or abroad in a number of different ways.

The best way to get started is to educate yourself on the cultural needs of the refugees you want to help. Have empathy and encourage others to do research as well. Until you start to understand what refugees go through, you won’t be able to effectively help them rebuild their lives.

Once you’ve done your research, the next good step is to volunteer your time and skills. Work with a reputable organization to help in any way you can. Think about your unique skills and figure out how you can use them to help refugees. A good example of this would be helping refugees learn the local language or organizing sports teams. There are so many ways to help!

Build awareness in your community about the challenges facing refugees and rally people to push politicians for improved refugee support. Fundraise and encourage your neighbors to host refugees. Although a welcoming community can’t erase the trauma refugees have faced, it can provide them with the hope they need to build a better future.