Refugee
Mental Health Services
for
Family Advocates
Family advocates are sometimes the first to see that a
refugee is suffering the emotional or psychological effects of migration,
trauma, and personal loss as the challenging reality of resettlement becomes
clear. Alliance
for African Assistance provides psychological services for refugees.
It is critical that family advocates be respectful of the
particular cultural assumptions that refugees may have about admitting to their
suffering or to the suffering of members of their family or community. As for
many Americans, there is often great stigma around being thought of as “crazy.”
That said, if you recognize that a member of the family you
are supporting is suffering emotionally or is displaying a behavior that
worries you, you could be a critical advocate to assist them.
First of all, it is fine to express your concern for the
refugee. Talking about their suffering will not make it worst but generally
better. This is particularly true for statements about wanting to be dead, of
wanting to commit suicide, or of wanting to hurt someone else. Just listen to
their concerns without feeling like you have to solve their problem. Let them
know that Alliance
can help them.
Second, talk to Julie or Joelle. They can assist you connect
with our psychologist, Dr. Dehnel.
Your conversation with Dr. Dehnel will be confidential and
together you and he can figure out the best way to intervene. If the refugee
wants you to keep what they have said to you confidential, you can talk to Dr.
Dehnel about the concerns you have without revealing the name of the refugee or
identifying information. You have the right to be informed, to learn, and to
discuss your concerns. That is part of your role as a member of our team. You
can call Dr. Dehnel at (619) 402-7305 or stop in his office at Alliance . He is very approachable and is
interested in what you have to say.
In general, be respectful, assure the refugee that you will
keep their confidence, and let them know that you will assist them find the
help they need. Here are some indications that a refugee needs our help.
□ Suicidal
Thoughts
□ Homicidal
Thoughts
□ Sadness,
Crying
□ Depression
□ Difficulty
Sleeping
□ Hopelessness
□ Lack
of Motivation, Interest
□ Feelings
of Worthlessness
□ Loneliness
□ Difficulty
Concentrating
□ Nervousness,
Fear, Worry
□ Panic
Attacks
□ Anger,
Violence
□ Hallucinations,
Delusions
□ Traumatic
Flashbacks
□ Traumatic
Memories
□ Emotional
Numbness
□ Chronic
Physical Pain
□ Alcohol
or Drug Abuse
□ Eating
Disorder
□ Sexual
Problems
□ Personality
Change
□ Difficulty
Parenting
□ Difficulty
Learning
