Migration, trauma and resilience

Abstract

In these days of globalisation, there is massive movement of people across the globe. Migration across the world has always been present, but perhaps the speed of migration has changed rapidly in the previous hundred years. Migration can be due to any number of reasons - from economic betterment to educational opportunities which may act as attraction and pull factors. On the other hand, political changes, disasters and strife may act as push factors where people may have to leave. Recent tragedies in the waters of Italy have raised specific issues about the processes of asylum seeking and refugees. The trafficking of women and children adds another dimension to the whole process. These examples illustrate that migrants as well as the process of migration are not homogenous, so clinicians must remain aware of individual experiences. The stages of migration can be roughly divided into three: Pre-migration, actual process of migration and settlement post-migration, which may take several years. Pre-migration may be a few days or a few years. In the former case, the migrant may not have any or limited opportunities to prepare for the process. When migration is planned, for example, for those who may choose to study abroad, preparing for admission may itself take years. The framework for migration and its sequelae will vary.