(Brussels, 7 October 2011) –
Mental health disorders can be found in people of
all ages and from all cultures, regardless of
socioeconomic status. The World Federation for
Mental Health ranks major depression as one of the
top five leading causes of disability worldwide.
An estimated 450 million people suffer from mental
health disorder, yet fewer than half get the
treatment they need. This is especially true for
refugees. Their mental health needs are often
unnoticed amidst the turmoil of flight and
settlement in camps.
In commemoration of World Mental Health Day –
October 10 – JRS Europe spoke to the World Health
Organization (WHO) about the state of refugee mental
health care. Despite the obvious need for it, it’s
one aspect of health care that is not being
adequately addressed.
“The
bulk of refugees rarely have access to mental health
care (in emergencies)”, says Dr Mark van Ommeren,
the WHO focal point for mental health in
emergencies.
WHO projects that one in five refugees are likely to
have a mental health disorder such as depression,
anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder. “The
causes are multiple, such as exposure to horrible
things, previous events in personal history, lack of
social support, traumatic events. All of these
things makes life more difficult for refugees and
puts them at risk of developing mental health
problems”, says Dr van Ommeren.
Part of his work involves developing guidelines and
policies, often in collaboration with other
agencies, and giving advice to governments. Dr van
Ommeren urges governments to add a mental health
component to their general health services. “If a
person has pneumonia or bronchitis, they get health
care. This should also happen in mental health
cases”.
What he would like to see most of all is more action
in the field of mental health care. “People often
talk about mental health, but there is too little
action,” he says. “If there is any message to give
it’s that old expression of putting your money where
your mouth is; words are good for advocacy but we
need to move words into action.”
