Mental Health/Psychological Stress

The war in Bosnia during the years 1992-1995 was obviously traumatic for the Bosnian people. This in turn resulted in depression and post-traumatic stress disorder for many Bosnians. Vesna Sin, a Bosnian refugee living in Utica, feels that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), is a major problem affecting most refugees; as she stated, "Almost everyone suffers from PTSD and it is a problem that needs to be looked at more closely by doctors."  During the Bosnian war, fifteen of Vesna Sin's family members were killed and one of her nieces was raped. She explained that this war was extremely traumatizing for everyone, as it was "not soldier to soldier, but the soldiers would enter one’s home." Researchers in the Journal of the American Medical Association recently gave various tests for psychiatric symptoms and disabilities to 53 refugees in a refugee camp.  Forty percent of the refugees had symptoms of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, and twenty-one percent, who had the symptoms of depression or PTSD, were twice as likely to be disabled (JAMA).

In order to help one who has PTSD, it is important to understand exactly what kind of fearful events have caused depression and PTSD.  Keith McInnes, a medical scholar, interviewed  Bosnian refugees and found that the six most frequently experienced traumatic events were: being present during grenade attacks (83%), hiding from snipers (75%), hiding outdoors (63%), being present while one’s home was searched (37%), witnessing death (17%), and death of a family member (13.1%).

Vesna Sin believes that  PTSD is the result of hardships during war, and that it is on-going due to the difficulty of living in a new country. Sudava Sin stated, "I will die in transition." She feels unconnected with American society because many individuals do not take the time to ask questions and listen. Therefore, many Americans harbor prejudice. Vesna Sin affirms that PTSD will not end until America takes responsibility;  as she says, "America does not open the door to my culture and people, and until America does, the majority of Bosnians will suffer from this type of depression (PTSD)."

Although it is necessary that the United States "opens the door" to all cultures for improvement to be made, studies also show that most refugees in the United States benefit from mental health services, but many decide not be treated in that manner. For instance, Psychiatrist Stevan Weine of Chicago, IL, believes that two-thirds of the Bosnian refugees have been traumatized by the war. However, most refugees rely on family members for support; only 8% seek mental health assistance.  Therefore, many Bosnian refugees choose support groups, such as family, to help reinforce bonds within families and to ease mental grief (JAMA).

This picture, drawn by another refugee at the MVCR, is a representation of soldiers who have come into a home and are about to shoot a family.   This is a demonstration of the Bosnian war,   "not soldier to soldier, but the soldiers would enter one's home" (Vesna Sin).

Symptoms for Post- Traumatic Stress Disorder -excessive sweating -paleness -heartbeat sensations -headache -fever -fainting -anxiety, stress and tension -agitation -recurrent distressing memories of the event or dreams -flashback episodes -inability to recall important aspects of the trauma -lack of interest in activities -feelings of detachment -sleeping difficulties -difficulty concentrating                 (http://health.yahoo.com)