multicolored people

multicolored people

Monday, November 29, 2010

Mental Health and Immigrants as well as Refugees

            Throughout many years “Canada continues to be a prominent immigrant and refugee-receiving country in worldwide migration, resettlement, and search for refugee”. (Stewart, Anderson, Beiser, Mwakarimba, Neufeld, Simich, & Spitzer, 2008) Both refugees and immigrants are leaving or in some cases fleeing their home counties. Which ever the case may be, both immigrants and refugees go through so many emotions. This can lead to many mental health issues. For example a refugee feeling their home may be stressed and/or anxious. An immigrant leaving their home may feel stressed and/or worried about what their new lives will be like. If anyone has ever moved houses in their life time then they know how stressful it can be, making sure you don’t forget anything, the stress of being sure you are out of the house by your deadline, setting up your new house, adjusting to your new environment and making new friends. It is hard enough to move houses within your area, never mind moving to a different country where you don’t know anyone and you don’t know all the norms of a culture, it can be very scary and intimidating.
            “In many cases, newcomers’ efforts to seek help are thwarted by systematic obstacles. Newcomers experienced extensive unmet support needs, which service providers cannot adequately meet due to bureaucratic and resource constraints. Policies in various sectors that affect the lives on immigrants and refugees are inadequate for bridging their support deficiencies.” (Stewart, Anderson, Beiser, Mwakarimba, Neufeld, Simich, & Spitzer, 2008) Basically this means that it is very difficult for both immigrants and refugees to settle in easily to their new homes. (Stewart, Anderson, Beiser, Mwakarimba, Neufeld, Simich, & Spitzer, 2008) Without the proper resources immigrants and refugees need to make a healthy and successful transition into Canada it will be very difficult for them to improve their lives.
            “The U.S. and Canada are countries that have been shaped and defined by immigration. In recent decades, however, changes in the immigration policies of both countries have resulted in more heterogeneous immigrant flows than ever before.” (Teixeira, & Wei, 2009) I believe this is a really good thing because it shows that Canada is trying not to discriminate based on gender or culture. One thing that I was not happy to hear about is how it is very difficult to get an immigrant into Canada if they have a known disability. I don’t agree with this because even though Canada is being very diverse, they are still discriminating against people who did not make the decision to have a disability. Everyone deserves a chance to have a wonderful life and be viewed upon as an equal.
            Immigrants and refugees go through many processes and may wait years until they are accepted into Canada. While they are trying to improve their lives their mental health may decrease because of the worry, stress, possible depression, and anxiety they go through while enduring their move, and Canada needs to do everything in their power to provide the resources needed to help immigrants and refugees live a long, healthy, and successful life.



References:

- Stewart, Miriam, Anderson, Joan, Beiser, Morton,
Mwakarimba, Edward, Neufeld, Anne,
Simich, Laura, & Spitzer, Denise. (2008).
Multicultural meanings of social among
immigrants and refugees. 46(3).

- Teixeira, Carlos, & Wei, Li. (2009). Immigrant and
refugee experiences in north american cities. 7(3),
221-227.


- Brettany G.

5 comments:

  1. I don't think people with mental disabilities should be judged based on something out of their control but in which ways do you think immigrants with mental disabilities can contribute to Canadian society? By allowing them into Canada, how would you suggest Canadians would benefit? My last question may come off as a conservative view on this topic but is just in order so we keep in mind that contemporarily, questions like these could arise, especially in a highly capitalist society where one’s own goals etc. take precedence.

    -Brooke Davison

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  2. The group that I’m in has its focus on immigrants and refugees, and what you just talked about is the many challenges someone wishing to come to a new country faces. It just seems that barrier after barrier is set up against peoples with a disability, but the good news is, a lot of supports are available to those who need it to overcome all challenges that may be a problem. Your information on this topic was spot on, good job.

    -Rocco

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  3. The stress and challenges involved with coming to a new country are very valid, and could potentially develop into some degree of mental illness. I beleive it is an important role of the government to not only help this process become more smooth, but to also have resources like support groups which help to ease the strain of such a major life adjustment.
    -Eliza R.

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  4. I completely agree with you that immigrants and refugees can suffer from many mental health issues, since moving to another country can lead to an increase level of stress. When they are in the country it doesn’t get any easier either, they have to get accustomed to a new culture and build new friendships, as you pointed out. I think that if immigrants are well educated about our culture, it would make the process of living here a little less stressful.

    Melanie.F

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  5. I had to move to a small reserve in northern Quebec in 2007 and the only language I speak is english so when everyone around me only spoke french or cree I felt like I was in a foreign country. It was very hard and stressful so I can relate to how immigrants and refugees must feel when they move to a new country. However, the obstacles they must overcome are greater and tougher and on top of these obstacles they may suffer from stress and depression as you mentioned. I think society needs to educate people so that this transition is much easier for these new citizens. Great post!

    Alexis B.

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