Somali Mental Health Article

Somali Mental Health Project 22-Jul-2009 SOMALI

MENTAL HEALTH PROJECT

BACKGROUND AND INTRODUCTION From 1990 onwards, large numbers of Somali refugees began migrating to Australia under the Refugee and Special Humanitarian Program as well as the Family Reunion Program. Most of them live in Melbourne’s northern suburbs. The number of Somali migrants increased from 3,000 in 1996 to 11,000 in 2006. 62.2 % of them live in Victoria (ABS, 2006). CHALLENGES IN THE NEW COUNTRY Currently, most of the settlement programs focus on assimilation and integration but cultural barriers, mistrust of the Australian service system and lasting impacts of pre-migration experiences hinder these processes. As a result, many adult men and women exhibit symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder with severe depression and anxiety (Bailey: 2007). In order to best respond to the needs of the CALD communities such as Somali clients, it is important to understand their unique cultural understanding about the concept of mental health and mental illness. TRADITIONAL PERSPECTIVES OF MENTAL HEALTH According to Somalis, health is GOD given but individuals are responsible for maintaining a good health. The belief is that people can not protect themselves from future illnesses because GOD is the ultimate guardian about health. The Somali community perceives mental illness as “crazy”. They associate people living with mental illnesses as persons who are violent, unpredictable or have an intellectual disability. For the Somali community, the cause of mental illness is predominately spiritual or metaphysical. For instance, mental illness is a punishment from God or evil spirits (Jin -devil); the illness can also be brought on by another person or oneself through curses or bad behaviour. Traditional treatments are mediation provided by religious leaders or by traditional healers. ADEC’S SOMALI MENTAL HEALTH EDUCATION PROJECT ADEC's Transcultural Mental Health Program received funding to provide mental health education to the Somali community in the northern area of Melbourne. ADEC employed a female and a male bilingual worker from the Somali community as well as a coordinator for the project. The team studied the target group needs and conducted focus groups with the youth of the Somali community as well as the mature Somali men and women (gender divided). Both mature age groups requested mental health education, whereas the young Somalian community members were seeking to develop a brochure with general mental health information and service contacts. The project was exciting and challenging at times but highly rewarding for everyone involved. ADEC says thank you for all the contributions being made. A final report in form of a Tool Kit for other services working with the Somali community is available from ADEC: phone: 9480 1666 or email: [email protected].

References: Crisp, J (2003), “A new asylum paradigm?” Globalisation, migration, and the uncertain future of the international refugee regime, (UNHRC), Working Paper no. 100, viewed 20 September, 2005, . http://www.healthconcerns.org.uk/documents/Information_for_caregivers.pdf Iredale R., Mitchell, C., Pe-pua, R., and Pittaway, E., (1995), “Ambivalent Welcomes: the settlement experiences of humanitarian entrants families in Australia” BIMPR and DIMMIA., Kalix, P. & Braenden, O. (1985), “Pharmacological aspect of Chewing of Khat leaves. Pharmacological Reviews 37, 149-164. Laitin, D., (1977). “Politics, Language, and Thought: The Somali Experience. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, Lindner, Evelin Gerda, 2001. ‘Humiliation and the Human Condition: Mapping a Minefield’, Human Rights Review 2 (2):46-63. Nsubuga-Kyobe, A., Dimock, L., (2002)., African Communities Settlement Services in Victoria. Towards Better Delivery Models, Australian Multicultural Foundation, DIMMIA and Latrobe University. Robinson, J., (1999), “Joined Hands Brings Success” a resource from service providers working with Somali people. Ecumenical Migration Centre ADEC, July 2009 Author: Ahmed Tohow, Nadine Hantke ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ The VTPU was delighted to have the opportunity to be involved in the mental health education sessions with Somali men and women (gender divided) and to contribute to this important community development initiative. Our presentations focused on an everyday perspective of health and wellbeing as well as some of the understandings that come from Western culture. We discussed meanings of mental health and mental illness and health across the life span. We also discussed stress and stressful life events, common mental health problems, and the kind of help that is available. The participants were quite engaged throughout the sessions and a number of issues were raised during our discussions. Some of the issues raised by Somali men included: * They questioned whether Australian health care providers would believe a Somali patient’s ideas and beliefs, for example about Jinn * They believe there is a mismatch between their cultural beliefs and those of Australians with regard to health and illness (aetiology and treatment)

* They believe that Australians are more likely to label some behaviours that they see as ‘normal’ as mental illness (because of the hardship they have experienced in their country of origin) * They described how their community in Somalia view and treat people with mental illness, who are often labelled as ‘crazy’ and looked down upon (stigma) * They questioned treatment options for mental illness in Australia and questioned if it is possible to be ‘cured’ if they adhered to Australian treatment Some of the issues raised by Somali women included: * Their primary concern is for their children, they spend much time worrying and feeling stress about their children’s well-being and safety in Australia * They highlighted that many of the ‘problems’ that exist in Australia do not exist in Somalia, such as paedophilia and homosexuality * They indicated that moving out of home prior to marriage and relations with members of the opposite sex are not acceptable in their country of origin * They described how their community in Somalia was safer and they were surrounded by social supports (including family and neighbours) that would look after each other * They described difficulty adjusting to their smaller living space and the lack of interaction with others in Australia * They emphasised the need to know where to go to for help if needed Following these sessions, ADEC hosted a forum (gender mixed) aimed at informing Somali community members about where to go for help if needed, familiarising them with treatments in a psychiatric ward in a hospital as well as receiving Sheik’s perspectives on the joint treatment options between traditional and westernized approaches. In the meantime, the Somali youth group developed a youth appropriate and well styled brochure called, “YOU ARE NOT ALONE”. A launch of this brochure with presentations from the services referred to as well as the participation of a Sheik, rounded up the Somali Mental Health Education Project. Through the project, ADEC was able to de-mystify some of the beliefs in the community, build bridges between local support services and people from a Somali background and, in return, educate the Australian services about traditional Somalian treatments. The VTPU congratulates ADEC on this great initiative and looks forward to collaborating further in the future. Thanks to Ahmed Tohow and Nadine Hantke from ADEC for contributing to this article. Written by Nadya Kouzma & Sue McDonough VTPU, 2009