Non-European and European Migrants in Acute Adult Inpatient Mental Healthcare: Dissociation and Identity

Abstract

While human history is replete with tales of migration and the success of the ‘human story’ cannot be recounted without reference to mass migration, the experience of migration is not without its associated mental health challenges. Indeed, Europe has seen a distinct shift in immigration during the last decade or so, with larger numbers of refugees, asylum seekers and those who are beset with armed conflicts or economic crises. Accordingly, this chapter focuses on mental health needs and challenges for migrants and poses the key question: How can we, as psychiatric/mental health (P/MH) nurses, use our knowledge and skills to provide help to the migrant who is experiencing emotional/psychological distress? In order to uncover the nuanced and particularised experiences, a multiple case study design was adopted. The findings appear to indicate that the question of ‘identity’ (footnote or ‘belonging’, see Marcel, 1948; ‘ontological exigence’—whereby this refers to a need for some level of coherence in the cosmos and for some understanding of our place and role within this cosmic coherence) is often integral to the experience of migration, which in turn required that P/MH nurses adopt an approach based on patience and a willingness/ability to question the particular meaning(s) the client gave to his suffering. The findings also imply that P/MH nurses must acquire cultural sensitivity skills and be aware of the impact of migration on mental health. These skills will allow the nurse to engage in a purposeful therapeutic alliance.