Political refugees are people who have fled their home countries due to persecution, war, violence, or human rights violations. They have experienced trauma, loss, and hardship that can affect their mental health and well-being. According to the World Health Organization, refugees are more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than the host populations.
However, many refugees do not receive adequate mental health care due to barriers such as scarcity of services, stigma, language, culture, and legal status. Moreover, refugees face ongoing challenges in their resettlement process, such as discrimination, isolation, poverty, and uncertainty about their future. These factors can exacerbate their mental health problems and hinder their integration and recovery.
Therefore, it is important to support the mental health of political refugees and help them cope with their past and present difficulties. Here are some ways that we can do that:
- Provide access to culturally sensitive and trauma-informed mental health services. Refugees need professional help from mental health providers who understand their culture, language, and background. They also need services that are tailored to their specific needs and preferences, such as individual or group therapy, medication, or alternative therapies. Trauma-informed services should recognize the impact of trauma on refugees’ mental health and offer them a safe, respectful, and empowering environment.
- Promote social support and community engagement. Refugees need to feel connected and accepted by their new society. They need opportunities to build relationships with other refugees and host community members who can offer them emotional, practical, and informational support. They also need to participate in social, educational, and recreational activities that can enhance their skills, confidence, and sense of belonging.
- Advocate for refugees’ rights and dignity. Refugees need to be treated with respect and compassion by all sectors of society. They need to have access to basic services such as health care, education, housing, and employment. They also need to have a voice in the decisions that affect their lives and futures. We can advocate for refugees’ rights and dignity by raising awareness about their situation, challenging stereotypes, and discrimination, and supporting policies and programs that protect and empower them.
Political refugees have endured unimaginable hardships and deserve our support and solidarity. By promoting their mental health and well-being, we can help them heal from their trauma, rebuild their lives, and contribute to their new communities.
There are many local organizations that serve refugees across the United States. Here are some examples of organizations that you can find in your state or city:
- UNHCR is the United Nations agency that leads and coordinates international action to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems worldwide. It also supports local organizations that assist refugees in various areas. You can find a list of UNHCR partners in the United States here: https://www.unhcr.org/en-us/partners-directory.html
- Mercy Corps is a global humanitarian organization that helps people survive and rebuild after conflict, crisis, and natural disaster. It also works with refugees and host communities to improve their livelihoods, resilience, and social cohesion. You can find a list of Mercy Corps offices in the United States here: https://www.mercycorps.org/us-offices
- Save the Children is an international organization that works to protect children’s rights and ensure their well-being. It also supports refugee children and families with education, health, protection, and psychosocial support. You can find a list of Save the Children offices in the United States here: https://www.savethechildren.org/us/where-we-work
- UNICEF is the United Nations agency that works to protect and promote the rights of every child. It also provides humanitarian assistance and development programs for refugee children and families in various sectors, such as health, nutrition, education, water, sanitation, hygiene, and protection. You can find a list of UNICEF offices in the United States here: https://www.unicefusa.org/about/contact-us
- Catholic Relief Services is a global relief and development organization that works with local partners to serve the poor and vulnerable. It also responds to humanitarian emergencies and supports refugees with food, water, shelter, health care, education, livelihoods, and peacebuilding. You can find a list of Catholic Relief Services offices in the United States here: https://www.crs.org/about/locations
- ShelterBox is an international organization that provides emergency shelter and other essential items to families displaced by disaster or conflict. It also works with refugees to improve their living conditions and dignity. You can find a list of ShelterBox offices in the United States here: https://www.shelterboxusa.org/contact-us/
These are just some examples of local organizations that serve refugees in your community. You can also search for other organizations online or contact your state refugee coordinator for more information. You can find a list of state refugee coordinators here: https://www.acf.hhs.gov/orr/resource/state-refugee-coordinators
By volunteering with or donating to a local organization that serves refugees, you can make a positive impact on their lives and well-being. You can also learn more about their culture and history, build meaningful relationships with them, and celebrate their diversity and resilience.