May is Mental Health Awareness Month in the US and as an organization that has taken a close look at the mental health issues of North Korean refugees, we cannot express enough the urgency we feel to raise awareness of the state of mental health of North Korean refugees.
North Koreans arrive in South Korea seeking job opportunities, freedom, and a fresh start. Slowly but surely, their trauma gets in the way of all of their ambitions. From recent interviews with mental health practitioners in South Korea who focus on North Korean refugees, we are learning the extent of the mental health crisis that is occuring in this population. These problems are often related to the traumatic experiences they have had in North Korea, such as food shortages, political oppression, and family separation. The journey to South Korea can also be traumatic, as refugees often have to travel through dangerous and unfamiliar territory.
A study by the World Health Organization found that 40 percent of North Korean refugees in South Korea had PTSD, 30 percent had depression, and 20 percent had anxiety. These rates are much higher than the rates of mental health problems in the general population of South Korea. Many turn to alcohol, sex and drugs to numb their pain.
The mental health problems of North Korean refugees have potential to significantly impact their lives. These issues can make finding work, building relationships, and participating in society difficult. They can also lead to physical health problems, such as chronic pain and sleep disturbances.
We feel that the first step in addressing the vast crisis at hand is to educate North Koreans themselves that mental health care is essential. From our conversations with the refugees we’ve helped through Elim House, most North Koreans think mental health care is for those with serious mental illnesses such as schizophrenia. There is also a stigma attached to seeking mental health services. It is seen as a weakness to admit one's problems.
Here are some specific examples of what can be done to help North Korean refugees with their mental health:
Provide access to mental health services: North Korean refugees should have access to mental health services that are culturally appropriate and sensitive to their needs. These services should be provided by trained professionals who have experience working with refugees. Currently, mental health care is not covered by insurance in South Korea, though free services are available for North Korean refugees at specific locations.
Offer support groups and other forms of social support: Support groups can provide a safe space for North Korean refugees to share their experiences and connect with others who understand what they are going through. These groups can also provide information and resources about mental health and help refugees to develop coping mechanisms. Many of the counselors we speak to think this is a great way to introduce the concept of mental health to North Korean refugees.
Advocate for and work to improve the living conditions of refugees in South Korea: thankfully the South Korean government has turned its attention towards improving their resettlement services as the number of defectors arriving in South Korea has dramatically dropped in recent years.
Crossing Borders is considering strategies to improve the mental health of North Korean refugees. We have a trained counselor on staff in South Korea. We are communicating with mental health professionals in South Korea to coordinate the best interventions for those under our care. We are also communicating with leaders and officials to come up with better solutions for the care of North Korean refugees and their mental health.
By taking these steps, we hope to help improve the mental health of North Korean refugees and provide more stability as they work to rebuild their lives.
