Mental Health

RECENT MIGRATION STRESS

Recent immigrants and refugees experience migration stress from having to flee their home country and leave behind family, to experience discrimination once they enter the United States.

Post-migration stressors include:

• Anxiety & Depression
• Changes in social status
• Language barrier frustration
• Discrimination & Bullying
• Conflicting values & attempts at acculturation

DREAMERS & MENTAL HEALTH

Dreamers are undocumented immigrants who were brought to the United States from a young age. These students are not experiencing trauma from recently migrating but they do experience negative feelings due to their status such as:

• Anxiety & Depression
• Shame / Feelings of low self-worth
• Self-Identity Conflict

“Self-identity conflict" is when young, undocumented immigrants identify with American culture, but understand that they will not have the same privileges as their U.S. born peers.

NOTE: Citizen children who form part of a mixed-status family are affected by the same stressors that their undocumented siblings/ parents experience.

WHAT CAN UNDOCU YOUTH DO TO REDUCE STRESS?

The worst thing that undocu youth can do is to ignore anxiety. Not facing these stressors can lead into self-destructive behavior and coping in unhealthy ways. Good mental health is not impossible for immigrant youth living under stressful situations. Here are some positive ways to manage stress.

Meditation & Breathing Practices - As silly as it sounds, focusing on your breath can take your body from fully anxious to calm mode. Learn more about mindful breathing with UWD's Mental Health Toolkit

TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF. Eating nutritious food - like more veggies- and exercising regularly help with how you handle difficult problems. Healthy habits are proven to promote better mental health and your overall happiness.

Listen to Josue's story as he talks candidly about his experience as an undocumented person, trying to survive stressful times, and persevering through being mindful & self-care practices.

TALK TO SOMEONE. Keeping the fears, anxiety, and frustrations of immigration problems bottled up, can be a depressing and lonely experience. Know that you are not alone. Do not be afraid to connect with others to find emotional support.

Here at CHS you can JOIN US and connect with other students who are affected by immigration matters.

Also, know that there are social workers, here at Chávez HS, who understand the unique challenges of coping as an undocumented student. Don't be afraid to reach out.

Meet Mrs. Medina!