1. Mental Health Problems and Healing among Somalis in Sweden
- Author:
- Johan Wedel
- Publication Date:
- 01-2011
- Content Type:
- Journal Article
- Journal:
- Bildhaan: An International Journal of Somali Studies
- Institution:
- Macalester College
- Abstract:
- Refugees are particularly at risk of mental health problems and they often have special needs that must be met if integration into the new country is to succeed. However, there is a lack of research that focuses on the refugees' own perceptions and ideas about mental health. One of the largest refugee populations worldwide is the Somalis. It is estimated that more than a million have fled their country because of the civil war. Many Somalis in the diaspora experience anxiety, marginalization, and mental health problems. At the same time, few make use of biomedical health services when suffering. Moreover, there exists a certain mistrust of the biomedical health sector. In addition, many Somalis turn to non-Western healing practices when suffering from episodes of ill health. Somalis in the diaspora have depression and anxiety related to war, the loss of family members, and afflicting spirits known as jinni or jinn.
- Political Geography:
- Sweden and Somalia