Stages of Immigration Trauma
First, how do we define trauma?
Often, immigration trauma is thought of in different stages, as follows.
People may have experienced trauma before their movetrauma that would likely have influenced their decision to leave their country.
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This might involve violence, poverty, persecution, or exposure to armed conflict.
Money is another factor.
This involves exposure to trauma during the journey.
This might involve violence, detention, forced labor, or lack to access to basic services.
Challenges with settling and integrating can cause trauma.
Additionally, hostile policies and discrimination can causesevere anxietyand distress.
How Does Immigration Cause Trauma?
Loss of identity and familiarity.
People with student visas might face more anxiety during their stay if they want to remain in the US.
For children, access to education is important, as are feelings of safety.
TheWorld Health Organizationset out ways to overcome barriers to mental health care for migrants and refugees.
For migrants and refugees looking for support, there areresourcesout there.
American) identity are not mutually exclusive and can successfully coexist.
While it wont erase trauma, itll go a long way to helping them.
This may be in terms of state support but also intra-community support, with community networks being important.
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World Health Organization.Mental Health and Forced Displacement.
The Immigrant Learning Center.Understanding Immigrant Trauma.
