Psycho-social Support and Immigrants

The majority of undocumented immigrants leave their home countries to seek better lives for themselves and their families, to escape war or to give their children better opportunities to succeed in life. This is not an easy process to undergo. Immigrants in the US face many challenges when it comes to health care. Mental health care is no exception. Undocumented immigrants are especially prone to negative impacts of the immigration process and often live in fear and feel burdened by many stress factors.

Common Stressors Faced by Immigrants
PTSD
Financial instability
Legal status instability
Poor living conditions
Family tension
Trauma associated with violence
Depression
Anxiety
Struggles adapting to US life
Language barriers

Many undocumented immigrants have some level of trauma that they experienced before leaving their home land, during the border crossing experience and after. Their children are also affected, especially if they are separated from family members. When adjusting to their new surroundings, it can be confusing and hard for them to adjust. While they appear fine on the outside, untreated mental issues can have a negative impact on immigrants and children of immigrants.

Why can’t immigrants’ access psycho-social support?
The main motivator for immigrants refraining from using any mental support services or otherwise is fear of being detained. While there are few options available due to restrictive laws that apply to undocumented immigrants, they do not make much use of what they can. Other reasons why very low numbers of immigrants seek mental help are : poverty, long work hours, language barriers and general mistrust of strangers.

How do immigrants cope with stressors?
For many immigrant communities, their religion plays a huge role in providing relief. Churches, mosques and temples are welcoming places where they are able to feel safe and receive counselling in some for or the other. Going to church services, confession, prayer meetings and other faith-based activities can help with easing the stress that many immigrants face on a daily basis.
Children enrolled in schools may have access to student support or student counselling to help address issues they may face with school or home life. Some immigrants may turn to less ideal solutions such as drug and substance abuse which can lead to even more problems. Others simply try to stay occupied to avoid dealing with issues they may have. Overall, psychiatric disorders among immigrants tends to be lower than the general non immigrant population, but it doesn’t mean that they don’t have issues.

How can psycho-social support be more accessible?
Since the legislations themselves prevent much access for health and psychiatric care, assisting immigrants with these issues becomes a community affair. Social outreach programs provided by charitable organizations or volunteers can provide an alternative. Public screening drives for health and mental evaluations can be arranged in immigrant communities. These programs can also educate communities and immigrants about the services that are available to them, the importance of mental health care, why and where to seek help when needed.
Public education about being compassionate towards immigrants can help with reducing social stressors that may affect immigrants. Community acceptance and tolerance would assist with providing a less negative atmosphere.
Schools can also be more receptive and responsive to the mental well being of immigrant children and develop programs to help them adjust to school, US culture and assist with language barriers or tutoring services.

How can psychosocial support benefit immigrants?
Having access to psychosocial support can greatly benefit immigrants and their children. When these services are accessible, immigrants can feel less burdened and be more productive at work or school. For children, psychiatric counselling can help them to perform better at school and allow them the chance to become stable and well balanced. Instead of living in constant anxiety, fear and hypervigilance, they can have the opportunity to be happy and well adjusted.
For immigrants who turn to less ideal behaviors such as drug and substance abuse, the availability of AA meetings or therapy groups can give them a fighting chance to change their lifestyle. Having the religious and charitable bodies step in with facilitating such programs can be a steeping stone for greater access to counselling services that immigrants may need.

By IG Staff