Mental Health Form

Alliance for African Assistance

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