Refugees and Terrorism: A Mental Health Perspective

Instances of public discrimination of the already-vulnerable population of Syrian refugees is as rampant as a forest fire, blazing across the Western countries. In America, republican presidential candidate Donald is the first candidate since 1968 that has made one of his campaign promises to discriminate against a targeted group of people (Stark 2016). Unfortunately, beyond this unfortunate and hateful political rhetoric, discrimination against displaced people is found within every nook and cranny of society. In a recent study led by Lindsay Stark in Uganda, she discovers that displaced adolescents had abnormally low self-worth, often withdrew from school, and their guardians or parents reported that they were discourage from seeking help (2015). There is a direct correlation between discriminatory behavior and poor adaptation rates in post-displacement refugees. Now, what does this have to do with terrorists?

We all are aware that the majority of Syrian refugees practice Islam. However, it seems to slip our minds when we think why they left their home to resettle somewhere else. If you believed in what the terrorist groups in your country were fighting for, would you leave? No. These people are scared and they are running away from their home that is now destroyed. Why is there no sympathy for the millions of people who no longer have a place to call home?

I would argue, that the blame of terrorism on Western soil is not just (misinformed) Islam or ISIS, but also the Western countries themselves. In the book, The Psychology of Terrorism: Clinical aspects and responses, the author outlines the two most critical periods in regards to potential terrorist acts for a displaced refugee. The author, Chris Stout, states “terrorist acts are most likely to occur for refugees during the first two phases of adjustment, the antecedents of flight and the period of flight” ( p 4). Psychological intervention needs to occur as soon as a refugee begins his/her escape. Not only was what they faced in their destroyed home enough horror, but if they arrive in a country that continues to discriminate and make their life hell, quite frankly, how do you think they will react? Most refugees in the Syrian refugee crisis lack control as to where they live and work. They also suffer from survivor’s guilt, PTSD, panic disorder, and depression when they arrive. It has been cited that “in a clinical refugee population, PTSD occurs 50 percent of the time or higher and depressive disorders range fro 42 to 89 percent” (Stout). Do you not think that these refugees have suffered enough?

It is our job as decent human beings to provide shelter to those in need, care for those who are suffering, and open our homes and hearts to those looking for a better life. We cannot continue to discriminate and choose not to provide refugees the proper post-displacement care, such as early intervention, mental health treatments, and unbiased education, work, and living opportunities.