BABCP calls for better mental health support for asylum seekers and refugees on World Mental Health Day
This year’s theme of World Mental Health Day is Access to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies. Whether man-made or otherwise, catastrophes and emergencies often have long-lasting consequences on people’s mental health.
We have just issued a new podcast episode interviewing Dr Kerry Young, Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Lead at Woodfield Trauma Service, discussing how asylum seekers are affected by disasters and emergencies, such as war or invasion and what mental health support they need to reconstruct their lives in the UK.
Asylum seekers and refugees are at particular risk of mental health problems, not only because of their experiences in their country of origin, but also because of experiences during their journeys and after they arrive in the UK. Internationally, around 50% of refugees and asylum seekers have been found to experience PTSD, with the figure for those experiencing depression also around 30%.
The UK government, along with the devolved administrations and local councils have the responsibility to address the barriers currently faced by refugees to access mental health support. These include a lack of understanding of mental health problems, as well as of the treatments available, availability of interpreters, and appropriate training of mental health staff to work with this group. We call on the UK Government to continue to develop adequate access to evidence-based interventions for refugees and asylum seekers.
Dr Kerry Young, Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Lead, Woodfield Trauma Service (CNWL NHS Foundation Trust) said: “We know that asylum seekers and refugees are at higher risk of developing mental health problems. Without evidence-based interventions, they will struggle to adjust to life in the UK. People seeking asylum in the UK have escaped war, invasion or regime change. Many will have faced persecution for religious or political beliefs, or because of their sexuality or gender. Nearly half will have been tortured. They deserve to access a compassionate system which supports their mental health and reduces the further harm.
“Despite having mental health problems at 14 to 15 times the rate of those born in the UK, asylum seekers and refugees access NHS mental health services about 40% less.
“All healthcare workers and those who work with asylum seekers and refugees need to raise awareness of the availability of mental health support via the NHS. It is crucial that refugees understand that help is available to them and how to access it.”
