In recent years, there has been a major surge in the number of refugees around the world. Many of them are in countries with limited access to mental health care. 

Forcibly displaced youth are the majority of the refugee population who suffer from mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD among others. It is crucial that we address these issues carefully and at an early stage before they develop into something bigger. According to the American Psychiatric Association, “Asylum seekers tend to be at elevated risk of suicide.” 

Due to factors like limited resources, awareness, and, in some cases, culture, many refugees are unaware of the underlying mental health issues they have. They carry on with their lives knowing that there is something wrong but can’t fully understand what it is. Therefore, mental health education is very important in order for refugees to take control of their trauma and continue on with their lives to become the successful artists, doctors, engineers, journalists…etc that they aspire to be. 

Mental health issues arise due to different factors: socioeconomic deprivation, discrimination, violent loss of loved ones, leaving one’s home and belongings behind, surviving torture, low family cohesion, frequent school changes, and community violence. Many refugees around the world, on a daily basis, are experiencing racism and violence due to their status. For example, in Turkey, Syrian refugees face discrimination and racism resulting in them losing their lives just for the fact that they are Syrian refugees.

According to the American Psychiatric Association, the prevalence of mental health disorders in refugees range from 20%-40% 

When approaching mental health issues with the refugee population, there are a few things to consider: 

1. Outreach to at-risk groups is very important. These include but are not limited to minors, refugees with disabilities, and LGBTIQ+ groups. 
2. Access to affordable and non-discriminatory care is a right, regardless of citizenship status. 
3. Providing communication resources such as interpreters and translators is critical. 
4. And, most importantly, caregivers must show respect for cultural differences. 

It is very important that we help refugees who suffer from mental health issues engage with family strengthening, and building social networks, which can develop a sense of connectedness to minimize isolation. 

Mental health care should be a priority, this is why Karam continues to build out the ways we can support the mental health of our communities.