Refugee Mental Health

Imperial College School of Medicine’s Psychiatry Society is excited to bring you the fourth event in their lecture series, ‘Mental Health in Marginalised Communities’!

Being forced to flee one’s country – whether that be due to war, persecution or climate change – has profound psychological impact that is often forgotten under political accusations of legality. In addition to the trauma and violence often witnessed by refugees, the loss and separation from family and friends, the stripping of one’s security and the constant threat to one’s life can severely affect refugees’ mental health. Even after they have fled, the treatment they undergo by foreign authorities and communities can be entirely demoralising. Furthermore, starting from scratch in a new country, with a new language and culture, has unique challenges for not just that generation, but also for their children.

Of what little notice the press takes on refugees, what is said is often in a negative light, casting them as ‘job-snatchers’ and ‘illegal immigrants’. By comparison, the physical, emotional and existential suffering is entirely overlooked. Indeed, even in the medical curriculum, very little is taught about the health of this population.

With the impact of climate change, not to mention ongoing political turmoil resulting in more people being displaced, it is more important than ever to be informed about the mental health challenges of this ever-growing population.

Come along on the 27th of January to hear from two amazing speakers on these very issues! The first speaker is a Dr Lucia Chaplin, a CT2 psychiatry trainee with a masters in Refugee Protection and Forced Migration Studies from the University of London. She will be reflecting on the psychosocial challenges faced by refugees and asylum seekers from her work with this community.

The second speaker is none other than the co-vice president of our society, Gayathri Thivyaa Gangatharan (Thivvi), a medical student at Imperial and also the daughter of Tamil refugees. She will be reflecting on her own experiences of depression and intergenerational trauma resulting from the Tamil genocide in Sri Lanka.

This event is free and open to all and Zoom links will be sent out near the event. If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch with us at psychsoc@ic.ac.uk or DM us on Instagram or Facebook!