Supporting Mental Health in Young Refugees: A Resilience Perspective

Abstract

Forced migration typically forms a significant turning point in life, associated with a challenging transition period. It positions refugees in a context of cumulating risk factors, which potentiates the development of stress and other mental health challenges. Much of what we know about the mental health of refugee youth stems from an impressive body of literature on disorder and dysfunctioning in contexts of (post-)conflict and displacement. More recently, research and practice have become increasingly interested in also understanding and supporting the pathways to mental health and have gradually adopted a resilience lens. This chapter presents a social-ecological approach to resilience. Such an approach delineates how resilient development and outcomes are shaped at the nexus of individual and multilevel contextual spheres. It provides a theoretical framework and guidance for professionals seeking to understand and support the wellbeing of young refugees and their families amidst stressful circumstances. It foregrounds the importance of fostering a strong supportive environment that is responsive to their particular support needs and provides the resources for positive transition. For professionals, this implies the need to adopt a holistic view on refugee youths’ situation and to develop a continuum of care for these youths.