Journal of Loss and Trauma
Volume 20, Issue 3, 2015, Pages 281-296

Beyond Stigma: Barriers to Discussing Mental Health in Refugee Populations (Article)

Shannon P.J.* , Wieling E. , Simmelink-McCleary J. , Becher E.
  • a School of Social Work, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, United States
  • b Family Social Science, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, United States
  • c Tulane University School of Social Work, New Orleans, LA, United States
  • d Family Social Science, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, United States

Abstract

Mental health stigma remains one of the most commonly cited reason for why refugees fail to access mental health services. This study looks beyond stigma to explore refugees’ perspectives on why it is difficult to discuss mental health. Ethnocultural methodologies informed 13 focus groups with 111 refugees from Burma, Bhutan, Somali, and Ethiopia. Findings describing reasons why it is difficult to discuss mental health include a history of political repression, fear, the belief that talking does not help, lack of knowledge about mental health, avoidance of symptoms, shame, and culture. Recommendations for empowering and educating refugees are discussed. © 2015, Copyright © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

Author Keywords

Mental health stigma Refugee mental health war trauma Refugee trauma Torture

Index Keywords

[No Keywords available]
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84926416142&doi=10.1080%2f15325024.2014.934629&partnerID=40&md5=da8b85e614612cf1786c9cfd376a87a1
DOI: 10.1080/15325024.2014.934629
ISSN: 15325024
Cited by: 24
Original Language: English