Young Asylum Seekers In Scotland Under Stress, Royal College Of Psychiatrists

Main Category: Anxiety / Stress
Also Included In: Psychology / Psychiatry;  Mental Health
Article Date: 17 Sep 2008 - 0:00 PDT

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Racism, discrimination and the threat of deportation mean young asylum seekers and refugees in the UK are suffering from stress and mental ill health.

Now psychiatrists, who have analysed the post-migration stresses facing young asylum seekers in Glasgow, believe changes in immigration policy would help improve the quality of their lives.

Researchers interviewed 14 secondary school pupils living in Glasgow, which is the only Home Office dispersal area in Scotland. The pupils all had an immigration status of asylum seeker or refugee, and came from a range of ethnic backgrounds.

The main causes of stress identified by the participants were: language and cultural barriers, lack of employment opportunities, exposure to racism and academic pressure.

The participants also perceived the immigration processes as 'unjust' and complained about long delays with their asylum applications. This, together with the combined threats of deportation, 'dawn raids' and detentions, caused considerable day-to-day stress and upheaval for the young people and their families.

Although the pupils did report considerable stress, the researchers found evidence that this stress could be mitigated through good support from family, friends and the wider community, as well as access to education and leisure activities.

The pupils also came up with their own suggestions of ways in which immigration policy and practice could be improved.

The study, which was presented at a meeting of Royal College of Psychiatrists' Faculty of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, confirms previous findings that racism, discrimination and immigration practice remain key stressors for young asylum seekers and refugees.

However, the researchers concluded that psychiatric interventions are not necessary. Instead, changes in UK immigration policy - together with better support networks and greater social inclusion - are more likely to improve the wellbeing of young asylum seekers.

Reference

Royal College of Psychiatrists' Faculty of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Annual Residential Conference, 17-19 September 2008, Britannia Adelphi Hotel, Liverpool

About The Royal College of Psychiatrists

The Royal College of Psychiatrists is the professional and educational body for psychiatrists in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. We promote mental health by:

- Setting standards and promoting excellence in mental health care
- Improving understanding through research and education
- Leading, representing, training and supporting psychiatrists
- Working with patients, carers and their organisations

As well as running its membership examination (MRCPsych), and visiting and approving hospitals for training purposes, the College organises scientific and clinical conferences and lectures and continuing professional development activities. The College publishes books, reports and educational material for professionals and the general public. It also publishes the British Journal of Psychiatry , Psychiatric Bulletin , Advances in Psychiatric Treatment and International Psychiatry , all of which are now available on-line.

The Royal College of Psychiatrists has been in existence in some form since 1841. First as the "Association of Medical Officers of Asylums and Hospitals for the Insane" (later changed to the Medico Psychological Association) then, in 1926 receiving its Royal Charter to become the "Royal Medico Psychological Association, and finally, in 1971 receiving a Supplemental Charter to become the "Royal College of Psychiatrists" we know today.

Royal College of Psychiatrists