Mental health of refugees and migrants

Abstract

Mental health problems and disorders are one of the leading global public health problems. Refugees and migrants represent a particularly vulnerable group in that regard. Numerous traumatic experiences, both in their countries of origin and during their journeys, but also all the difficulties they face in the country of permanent or temporary residence are significant risk factors for problems and difficulties in the mental health area. This publication will focus on understanding mental health in the context of refugee related issues, with special emphasis on understanding post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms and manifestations, as well as depression and anxiety symptomatology. The results of the research on psychological vulnerability will be presented, as well as the frequency of different mental problems, but also positive aspects of psychological functioning and resilience among the refugee population in Serbia. Since difficulties in the mental health area represent an all-encompassing challenge in the context of refugees, both at the individual and the wider social level, this document will focus on mental health as challenge for achievement of refugee rights, but also on the way different social factors affect mental health of individuals. Finally, recommendations will be provided for further development of the psychosocial support programme of Red Cross of Serbia and other National Red Cross and Red Crescent societies and interventions focused on mental health and well-being of refugees and migrants.