As is the case with the general Canadian population, certain cohorts of the immigrant and refugee population require population-specific considerations in terms of mental health problems and illnesses. Module 5 examines the unique mental health needs of a number of vulnerable immigrant and refugee populations, like older adults, survivors of torture, 2SLGBTQ+ people and persons with disabilities.
The module explores risk and protective factors, along with ways to support and help address these populations' unique mental health needs. It also examines clinicalservice considerations related to these needs, as well as potential for mental health interventions.
Older adults
Survivors of torture
2SLGBTQ+ immigrants and refugees
People living with disabilities
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) defines older refugees according to life expectancy in the region in which they originate, allowing for enormous variation between countries in the developing and developed world (Bartolomei et al., 2003).
The UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment provides this commonly-used definition of torture: “Any act by which severe pain or suffering, whether physical or mental, is intentionally inflicted on a person for such purposes as obtaining from [them] or a third person information or a confession, punishing [them] for an act [they] or a third person has committed or is suspected of having committed, or intimidating or coercing [them] or a third person, or for any reason based on discrimination of any kind, when such pain or suffering is inflicted by or at the instigation of or with the consent or acquiescence of a public official or other person acting in an official capacity. It does not include pain or suffering arising only from, inherent in or incidental to lawful sanctions” (UN, 1984).
This course uses the term 2SLGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, two-spirit and others). The use of this term is not intended to be exclusive. These terms express different embodiments, trajectories and expressions of gender and are products of time, place and language. Thus, it is recognized that terminology for sexual orientation or gender identity (SOGI) can vary by region and community, and across time and place (Hall & Sajnani, n.d.).
This includes “those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments [by illness, injury or wounds] which in interaction with various barriers may hinder their effective participation in society on an equal basis with others” (UN, 2006).