Mental Health Challenges Among Refugee and Migrant Children

October 12, 2023

A report titled “Mental Health of Refugees and Migrants: Risk and Protective Factors and Access to Care” was released recently by WHO. This report marks the fifth edition of the Global Evidence Review on Health and Migration (GEHM) series initiated by the WHO in June 2021. It has shed light on the prevalence and severity of behavioral disorders, especially among younger children. The study underscores significant differences in the experiences of children between the ages of 6 to 14 and those aged 15 to 17.

Detention and Its Impact on Mental Health

One key finding from the report highlights that children, in particular, are highly vulnerable to the detrimental effects of detention. The study reveals a strong association between high rates of mental health conditions in refugee children and their placement in detention facilities. Shockingly, the report states that mental disorders were found to be ten times more likely to occur following detention than before.

Prolonged Asylum Center Stay and Psychopathology Risk

Another significant discovery pertains to the prolonged stay of children in asylum centers. The report indicates that children aged 11 to 16 who spent extended periods in these centers faced a staggering 30-fold increase in the risk of psychopathology. This risk was most pronounced among Unaccompanied or Separated Children (UASC) and children who had undergone multiple relocations within the asylum system.

The Global Landscape of Migration

As of 2021, the global number of international migrants reached 258 million. However, the report points out that internal migrants outnumber international migrants threefold, highlighting a significant data gap. The report also reveals that, by the end of 2021, the world had 89.3 million forcibly displaced people, including internally displaced individuals, refugees, and asylum seekers.

The Impact of Conflict on Mental Health

The WHO estimates that in conflict-affected areas, one in five individuals may experience mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia. Notably, a meta-analysis mentioned in the report demonstrates that international migrants in Europe face an increased risk of psychotic disorders compared to non-migrants.

Regional Disparities in Mental Health Among Refugees

The data on mental health among refugees is diverse, influenced by the country of origin and living conditions. For instance, refugees in high-income countries from the Middle East and North Africa region have a threefold higher risk of psychotic disorders compared to refugees from other regions. Additionally, certain nationalities, particularly from Afghanistan and Iraq, are more susceptible to mental disorders.

Social Exclusion, Discrimination, and Mental Health

Social exclusion and discrimination play a significant role in the mental health of migrants. The report suggests that migrants from African and Caribbean countries, particularly those categorized as Black, are at a much higher risk of suffering from psychotic disorders compared to those from countries where most of the population is categorized as White. This finding points to structural and institutional racism as potential underlying factors.

Gender, LGBTQI+, and Torture Survivors

The report indicates that girls and women among refugees and migrants face a higher risk of depression and anxiety compared to boys and men. Additionally, LGBTQI+ individuals, including transgender women held in male facilities, are affected in terms of mental health. Detainees who are torture survivors are another vulnerable group at risk of severe, complex PTSD and suicide attempts.

The Struggles of Pending Asylum Seekers

Asylum seekers in a state of limbo, awaiting a pending or rejected application, face a 1.76-fold higher risk of depressive symptoms than those whose applications have been approved. This disparity is highlighted in Germany, among other countries.

Challenges in Providing Mental Health Support

The report also addresses the challenges mental health professionals face in assessing and treating the complex needs of refugees and migrants. Some professionals report burnout, emphasizing the need for socio-cultural training to effectively treat migrants in distress. Language barriers, including translated medical jargon, hinder awareness and accurate diagnoses.

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