Pre-Migration Trauma:
Pre-Migration Trauma refers to the psychological and emotional distress experienced by individuals before they migrate from their country of origin. This trauma often stems from serious adverse experiences such as:
1. Armed Conflict or War
- Exposure to violence, bombings, or combat
- Witnessing death or destruction
- Family members killed, injured, or disappeared
2. Persecution
- Based on religion, ethnicity, political opinion, gender, or sexual orientation
- Torture or imprisonment without due process
- Threats from government or extremist groups
3. Human Rights Violations
- Forced labor or slavery
- Rape or gender-based violence
- Child soldiers or trafficking
4. Chronic Poverty or Economic Collapse
- Severe food insecurity
- Collapse of infrastructure
- No access to medical care or education
5. Environmental Disasters
- Droughts, floods, earthquakes, or climate-related displacement
Psychological Impact
Pre-migration trauma can lead to:
- PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)
- Anxiety and Depression
- Grief and Survivor’s Guilt
- Sleep Disturbances or Nightmares
- Hypervigilance and Trust Issues
Importance in Mental Health Care
Mental health professionals working with immigrants, asylum seekers, or refugees must consider pre-migration trauma to fully understand:
- Current mental health symptoms
- Cultural expressions of distress
- Barriers to trust and communication
- Shervan K Shahhian
LIBERTY PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION 