Illegal immigrants at higher risk of mental distress

Washington D.C. [USA], July 28 (ANI): A study has found that people who illegally live in a country without proper documentation, are at increased risk of mental distress due to constant institutional and societal exclusion.

DREAMers is a term used for immigrants, who were brought to the United States illegally by their parents when they were minors and have lived here ever since.

According to researchers, the DREAMers live in constant fear of deportation and experience a sense of voicelessness, invisibility and limited opportunities, due to their conflicting undocumented status.

Study's lead author Luz Garcini from Rice University in Houston, US said that the DREAMers in particular are at risk for psychological distress and diminished quality of life as a result of the many complex stressors they face. They often experience these stressors over an extended period, under harsh living conditions and without access to adequate mental health services.

"DREAMers are often marginalized and discriminated against, and as a result they may become isolated from the larger educational and work communities," Garcini added.

Researchers surveyed nearly 260 Mexican immigrants living illegally in high-risk areas to study the prevalence of mental health distress.

To be eligible for the survey, the participants had to confirm that they were residing in the U.S. without proper documentation.

The findings indicated that the participants aged 18-25 were the most likely to exhibit psychological distress (63 percent). Also, more than 90 percent of all respondents cited the loss of their home, social status, family and symbolic self as reasons for mental health distress.

However, as clinicians, they may contribute by devising solutions grounded in evidence and developing alternatives designed to facilitate access to culturally and contextually sensitive mental health services for these at-risk youths, which is critical to protecting their mental health and their basic human rights.

The study appears in American Journal of Psychiatry. (ANI)

This story has not been edited. It has been published as provided by ANI