Psychosomatic Basic Care in the Context of International Migration

Abstract

Refugees and migrants show elevated rates of mental health problems, not least due to traumatic experiences before and during their migration, and further aggravating secondary stressors associated with settlement and acculturation in the host country. Recognition and treatment of migrants’ and refugees’ mental health problems in the primary care setting is faced with challenges and barriers. The path to mental health care is, amongst others, impeded by language barriers, stigmatization, lack of knowledge on the health-care system of the new country of residence, differing illness and help-seeking behaviour and the host country’s restrictive legislations. In order to enhance the quality of care for migrants and refugees, structural barriers need to be addressed by enhancing knowledge, providing adequate translation services and building links to community support networks.