Mental health has become a much more talked about element of society. You can’t go far without seeing a ‘You are not alone’ poster. This is an amazing development, as it has led to less stigma and more support. I think talking about mental health and reducing shame is so important. This topic, is prevalent among so many of us, including those seeking sanctuary. As I have met, and got to know the people who are in, or have experience of, the asylum system, I recognise the toll it takes on these people. This led me to think about the way the system puts pressure on people, rather than reliving it, and therefore how this impacts people’s mental health.
The reality of the asylum system in this country is that it continues to have a harmful impact on many asylum seekers and refugees. A combination of the harsh nature of the UK system, alongside pre migration experiences often characterised by trauma, results in the mental health of refugees and asylum seekers deteriorating. The UK system can re-traumatise those fleeing their homes, which puts a strain on their mental health. For example, in immigration detention, mental illness is prevalent. A recent inspection of Brook House Immigration Centre revealed that almost half of the residents have mental health struggles, with 35% feeling suicidal. The reports concludes that the support is inadequate.
This mental health crisis is not only seen in immigration detention, but across the asylum system at large. This sad reality is reflected in the statistics, as 61% of asylum seekers experience serious mental distress. Furthermore, refugees are five times more likely to have mental health needs than the UK population. The need for supportive adequate care is there. However, there are barriers to accessing support, with refugees less likely than the general population to access help. This includes systemic barriers such as lack of awareness/training on complex needs and cultural differences. As well as digital poverty, there’s the lack of translators and the need for past documentation. There are also individual barriers such as lack of familiarity with the systems, fear of disclosing information and re-traumatisation.
The system is characterised by waiting, by uncertainty and instability. This can all take its toll on people, specifically mentally. Furthermore, poverty in the system can create stressors, creating increased pressure on these individuals. Asylum Matter’s conducted a report on poverty in the asylum system, and found that the struggle to afford basic necessities has a detrimental impact not only on what people can do, but also on their mental wellbeing.
Overall, people in the system need compassion and care, not a system that puts pressure on them. There is a need for specialist support, for people trained to support asylum seekers and refugees. Mental health is so important for the flourishing of every human being, let’s include those seeking sanctuary in that.
