17/04/2023
Tyranny, bombardment, and persecution - such are the causes that force asylum seekers (a.s.) to abandon their homelands in search of refuge. Traveling through treacherous journeys and facing debilitating obstacles, they pray for mercy and plea for the compassion of those more fortunate. Once - and if - granted, they finally attempt to confront the battles within; restoring ruins left behind the arduous, completed quest.
Common Issues
The most common psychological issues a.s. struggle with are: depression, anxiety, psychosis, and PTSD. These conditions can severely affect daily functioning if not handled in the right timing and manner. Unfortunately, such circumstances are not uncommon among a.s. due to the great burden the task of handling their affairs poses on the assigned resources.
Dutch System
In the Netherlands, a.s. receive a specialized program that offers general healthcare services, the GZA (Asylum-Seeker Healthcare), on par with the citizens'. Through which they can reach a mental healthcare nurse practitioner (POH-GGZ) if needed.
Yet, although such a service is provided, unfortunately, it is not enough. Various obstacles still exist, some of which are prior stigmas and the lengthy duration of the asylum procedure.
Stigma
Several individuals come from diverse backgrounds, all of which have varying views on mental health and the means to be sought. Thus, a great deal of them still have a withstanding opposition to the available care due to particular ideologies. Which is another reason why people don't get the care they need.
Asylum Procedure
Moreover, the period it takes for individuals to be introduced into the society and integrate is much delayed. Therefore, creating a bigger obstacle and widening the gap between the a.s. and their chance to heal their wounds and to allow things to fall back into place and perspective. The longer the duration, the more difficult it will be for them to hold onto their glare of hope, sense of self-worth, and relevance to the community.