Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. [Source: CDC]
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Migrants and refugees can be exposed to various stress factors which affect their mental health and well-being before and during their migration journey and during their settlement and integration. Migrants and refugees contribute positively to society, but they cannot reach their full potential unless they are in good physical and mental health. [Source: WHO]
How can the risk of Mental Health be mitigated among migrants?
the impact of stressors can be buffered by protective factors such as access to employment and services, social support, proficiency in the language of the host country, and family reunification. Among resettled refugee children, protective factors include better socioeconomic status, access to education, a perceived sense of safety, contacts with family, living and socializing alongside other people of the same ethnic origin, a stable and cohesive family structure and good parental mental health. [Source: WHO]
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