Immigrants with a refugee background may experience psychological stress and symptoms related to mental health. Many of them have faced war, violence, torture and death, as well as a dangerous escape. Also, moving to a new country and getting to know a new language environment and society always cause stress and burden for a person. Factors affecting the mental health of immigrants include, for example:

• discrimination and racism

• loneliness

• financial uncertainty

• lack of inclusion

• linguistic and cultural challenges

• difficulty in accessing social and health services

• long processing times for asylum applications

• uncertainty about the future

According to the health and well-being of asylum seekers survey

• 40% of adults experience significant symptoms of depression and anxiety.

• about 30% of young people report significant psychosocial symptoms.

In a new phase of life, mental health can be supported in many ways. It is important to recognize mental health problems and guide those who need help to the right help. It is also necessary to ask about the use of substances, so that problematic use can be identified and help can be offered.

Comprehensible language and everyday examples make it easier to talk about mental health.

A professional can facilitate discussions by mentioning their awareness of common psychological symptoms, such as insomnia, low mood, or repetitive thoughts. They can then ask if the client has experienced similar or other symptoms.

When discussing mental health, it's best to avoid professional jargon or diagnostic terms like "depression." Instead, focus on mental health, well-being, and various symptoms, using concrete and everyday examples. This approach helps to normalize conversations about mental well-being.

Talking about mental health with some clients may require more time than usual, building mutual trust, and revisiting the topic multiple times.

During the discussion, it's also important to provide information about mental health, how to support it, various symptoms, and the available social and health services in a way that is clear and concrete.

An essential part of mental health assessment is the effort to understand the person's own experiences of symptoms or problems. An open approach, in which the helper is interested in the person's own experiences and interpretations, facilitates the identification of problems and increases the experience of being heard.

For example, the following questions can be used to help clarify possible problems:

• How are you?

• How do you cope with various everyday tasks (cooking, cleaning, taking care of your own hygiene, etc.)?

• How do you eat and sleep?

• How do you see your future?

• What are you worried about?

• Have you ever thought about harming yourself or killing yourself?

• Where would you need support?

• How can I help?

The immigrant population, like the rest of the population, has many different resources and factors that protect and strengthen mental health. 

• Social networks: Strong and supportive social networks such as family, friends and community can provide emotional support and a sense of belonging, which promotes mental health.

• Cultural identity: A strong connection to one's own cultural background and identity can act as a protective factor. Maintaining cultural identity can bring strength and meaning in a new environment.

• Education and employment: Opportunities for education and employment are key factors that can promote self-fulfillment and financial independence, which in turn can strengthen mental health.

• Culturally sensitive support: Available culturally sensitive support can increase knowledge and understanding of the new country's ways of working and help with integration.

• Involvement in the community: Participation in the local community, for example in hobbies, volunteer work or religious communities, can bring meaning to life and increase the sense of community.

• Learning a language: Learning a new language and communication skills can make everyday life easier and increase refugees' participation in society.

• Recognizing trauma-related symptoms and getting support: Being able to get appropriate support helps to deal with possible traumatizing experiences and promotes mental health.

• The importance of nature and exercise: Outdoor activities and exercise can be a resource for mental health. Nature and physical activity can provide stress relief and positive effects on mood.

• Religion: Religion can maintain hope and create a sense of security.

When we talk about the mental health of mentees from a refugee background, we cannot ignore issues related to the mental well-being of the mentor.

Those who work with people in difficult life situations and traumatized individuals often face the emotional burden of their clients' experiences, which can expose them to vicarious traumatization and empathy exhaustion. These refer to the phenomenon where the traumatic experiences of people encountered at work are transferred to employees and the work community, potentially causing psychological stress and burnout.

The symptoms of vicarious traumatization and empathy exhaustion can be very comprehensive. Vicarious traumatization can manifest as various psychological and cognitive symptoms, such as memory and concentration difficulties, low mood, withdrawal, cynicism, and irritability. Distressing images can also enter the mind, and physical symptoms like aches, pains, tense states, stomach issues, and sleep problems are common. Often, the condition develops gradually, making early recognition challenging, though a single event can also lead to vicarious traumatization.

The key to preventing vicarious traumatization is awareness and recognition of the phenomenon both at the individual level and in work communities. Employees should be offered adequate training and job guidance, as well as the opportunity to address challenging and emotional situations that arise at work, and access to professional help if necessary. To effectively help others, we must take care of ourselves. Being aware of and respecting one's own involvement, resources, and professional boundaries is crucial for acting in the best interest of those who need help.

Immigrants with a refugee background often face traumatic situations, violence, and various losses, which mentors may encounter indirectly. A person may share their difficult experiences with a trusted mentor. If these situations are not addressed or persist over time, they can increase the mentor's emotional and psychological burden.

What will help?

• Identifying and addressing signs of vicarious traumatization

• Providing adequate training and education

• Effective work management

• Peer support

• Awareness and use of personal recovery and coping methods (e.g., nature, music, exercise, art hobbies)

• Clear delineation of work responsibilities

• Establishing clear rules and boundaries related to work

These measures are essential for maintaining your own coping and well-being.

Everyone experiences moving to a new country differently. It involves various stages and emotions such as joy, sadness, loneliness, and hope.

Immigrants with a refugee background may have endured difficult experiences in their home country and during their escape, which can lead to psychological stress and mental health-related symptoms. Stress associated with the relocation process can also impact their well-being.

Recognizing when a mentee with a refugee background should be referred to professionals is crucial.

In this new phase of life, mental health can be supported through various means: exercising, getting enough sleep, eating healthy food, maintaining relationships, and engaging in meaningful activities.

Those working with people in difficult life situations and those who are traumatized may be at risk of vicarious traumatization and empathy exhaustion.

It is important to be aware of this: to effectively help others, we must first take care of ourselves.