Resilience of African migrant women: Implications for mental health practice

Abstract

Migrants from areas affected by war, especially refugee migrants, are susceptible to mental health issues. In addition to recognising trauma, health professionals, such as mental health nurses, need to be aware of the strength and resilience of refugees and migrants. The capacity to provide trauma-informed-care that is shaped by the recognition of clients' strength and resilience is required/paramount to meet the current demand of multiculturalism emanating from an increased global migration. To facilitate increased awareness about West African women's resilience prior to migration and support trauma-informed care, we used a qualitative strengths-based storytelling approach with 22 West African women residing in Sydney, Australia. Thematic analysis of the women's stories identified two major themes: when the world falls apart and battered but strong. Findings revealed that past personal experiences significantly influenced participants' strength and resilience and contributed to their mental health. Mental health professionals such as nurses can play an important role by incorporating knowledge about the resilience of migrants and refugees into providing appropriate trauma-informed-care. 3 | P a g e R e s i l i e n c e a n d m e n t a l h e a l t h o f m i g r a n t w o m e n

Barriers and facilitators to access mental health services among refugee women in high-income countries: a systematic review

“…Another barrier to accessing mental health was the stigmatization experienced by refugee women seeking help for mental health care among family and their community [ 35 – 37 , 41 – 43 , 45 , 46 ]. Mental health stigma was a theme most recognized among respondents across the various cultural groups of refugees.…”

“…Participants voiced concerns that health systems in resettlement countries, like Canada, are not sensitive to the unique cultural needs of immigrants and refugees thus resulting in further isolation within these populations [ 40 ]. Culturally sensitive care included the need for practices wrapped in religious and cultural contexts [ 35 , 40 , 43 , 45 ]. Spiritual practices not only were identified as a source of strength and hope, but also deterred women from accessing western biomedical treatment [ 40 ].…”

“…The role of gender and the associated consequential biological factors play a role on how refugee women access mental health service [ 37 – 43 , 45 , 46 ]. The variety of ways gender role affects mental health access, specifically the contribution to the family dynamic and the unique experience of being a woman and dealing with gender specific concerns such as post-partum depression [ 39 , 41 , 46 ].…”

“…There were some studies that identified the importance of autonomy of refugee women [ 38 , 40 , 43 ]. The theme of resilience among refugee women was consistent across all studies but was explicitly outlined as a feature that exemplified the resilience strength and determination of the women [ 38 , 40 ].…”

Relational Spirituality and Transgenerational Obligations: The Role of Family in Lay Explanatory Models of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder in Male Cameroonian Asylum Seekers and Undocumented Migrants in Europe

“…Prior to their arrival in Europe, the vast majority of African migrants taking the Mediterranean route have experienced traumatizing events that have altered their lives drastically (11,12). During their journey, migrants often depend on human traffickers and are liable to experience physical and sexual violence, torture, and abduction (11,(13)(14)(15). When a person experiences a trauma, the range of psychiatric consequences can, inter alia, include anxiety and depressive disorders (16).…”