BHS-440 Crisis and Trauma

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Feb 20, 2024

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Crisis and Trauma Rachael English College of Humanities and social Sciences, Grand Canyon University BHS-440 Understanding Trauma Professor Cox February 4th, 2024

2 It is crucial to delve into the intricacies of crisis and trauma when analyzing the crises that commonly occur when thousands of undocumented immigrants or asylum seekers attempt to cross the southern U.S. border. This paper aims to differentiate between crisis and trauma, elucidate why the mass migration across the border qualifies as a crisis, provide examples of traumas resulting from this crisis, and describe the emotional and psychological symptoms experienced by migrants and those managing the crisis. Differentiation between Crisis and Trauma The differentiation between crisis and trauma is fundamental in understanding the challenges faced by migrants at the southern U.S. border. Crisis, characterized as a sudden and overwhelming event surpassing an individual or community's coping mechanisms, results in immediate emotional distress and functional impairment (James & Gilliland, 2017). Contrastingly, trauma involves the emotional and psychological response to distressing events, potentially leading to enduring psychological effects (Herman, 2015). Crises are acute, arising suddenly, while trauma can persist, impacting an individual's well-being long beyond the crisis resolution. In the context of the border crisis, recognizing this distinction is vital, as migrants may undergo acute crises during their journey and potentially face lasting trauma due to the cumulative impact of distressing experiences. This understanding informs the need for comprehensive and sustained mental health support to address both immediate and long-term effects on individuals and communities affected by the border crisis. Why Thousands of Migrants Crossing the Border Qualify as a Crisis The mass migration of undocumented immigrants or asylum seekers across the southern U.S. border is unequivocally a crisis, substantiated by its unprecedented scale, multifaceted complexity, and far-reaching impact on individuals and communities. The sheer magnitude of

3 migrants inundating border facilities and resources is overwhelming, straining the capacity of the existing infrastructure to provide timely and humane assistance. This crisis is further exacerbated by the intricate web of legal, humanitarian, and logistical challenges associated with the arrival of such vast numbers (Brennan & Oliphant, 2020). Legal frameworks struggle to address the surge adequately, humanitarian efforts are stretched thin, and logistical coordination becomes increasingly intricate. The confluence of these factors delineates the crisis as not only a local predicament but a systemic breakdown that demands urgent attention and comprehensive, collaborative solutions to mitigate the profound implications on the affected individuals and the communities at large. Examples of Traumas Resulting from the Border Crisis 1. Family Separation: One significant trauma resulting from the border crisis is the separation of families. The forced separation of children from their parents at the border inflicts emotional trauma, disrupting familial bonds and causing profound distress (American Psychological Association, 2018). This trauma is both subjective, as it directly affects individuals and families, and holistic, as it undermines the social fabric and collective well-being of communities. 2. Exposure to Violence and Exploitation: Many migrants face violence, exploitation, and abuse during their journey to the border, including physical assault, sexual violence, and human trafficking (Lind, 2019). Such traumatic experiences can lead to long-lasting psychological effects, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression (Hollifield et al., 2017). 3. Uncertainty and Fear of Deportation: The uncertainty surrounding asylum claims and the fear of deportation contribute to the psychological trauma experienced by migrants. The constant threat of being sent back to dangerous or unstable environments exacerbates feelings of anxiety, hopelessness, and helplessness (Bados, 2020).

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4 Emotional/Psychological Symptoms Experienced by Migrants and Crisis Managers Crisis managers, including border patrol agents, humanitarian workers, and mental health professionals, are tasked with responding to the complexities and challenges of the border crisis. Their roles often expose them to high-stress environments and emotionally demanding situations. Border patrol agents confront the daily realities of enforcement, encountering distressing scenes of human suffering and vulnerability. Humanitarian workers, driven by a sense of duty and compassion, grapple with the overwhelming needs of migrants, navigating limited resources and systemic barriers. Mental health professionals confront the psychological toll of trauma and displacement, striving to provide support amidst adversity. Despite their commitment to service, crisis managers may experience compassion fatigue, characterized by emotional exhaustion and diminished empathy (Figley, 2002). Burnout and vicarious trauma further compound their psychological burden, highlighting the urgent need for self-care and support mechanisms within crisis response systems. In conclusion, the crises unfolding at the southern U.S. border illustrate the profound interplay between crisis and trauma. The mass migration of undocumented immigrants and asylum seekers represents a multifaceted crisis with far-reaching implications for individuals, families, and communities. By understanding the differentiation between crisis and trauma, acknowledging the traumas resulting from the border crisis, and addressing the emotional and psychological symptoms experienced by migrants and crisis managers, we can strive to provide compassionate and practical support in the face of adversity.

5 References American Psychological Association. (2018). APA Calls for Immediate Reunification of Separated Families. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2018/06/separated-immigrant-families Bados, A. (2020). Fear and Silence at the Border: Mental Health Challenges of Undocumented Immigrants. Frontiers in Psychiatry , p. 11 , 584622. Brennan, D., & Oliphant, J. (2020). Border Crisis: The story of the U.S. immigration detention complex. Al Jazeera. Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/8/21/border- crisis-the-story-of-the-us-immigration-detention-complex Cantor, P., O'Neill, K., & Burden, A. (2018). The Physical and Mental Health of Separated Children Seeking U.S. Asylum. Child Abuse & Neglect , pp. 76 , 343–353. Figley, C. R. (2002). Compassion fatigue: Psychotherapists' chronic lack of self-care. Journal of Clinical Psychology , 58 (11), 1433–1441. Herman, J. L. (2015). Trauma and Recovery: The Aftermath of Violence--From Domestic Abuse to Political Terror. Basic books. Hollifield, M., Warner, T. D., Jenkins, J., Sinclair-Lian, N., Krakow, B., Eckert, V., & Westermeyer, J. (2017). Assessing war trauma in refugees: Properties of the comprehensive trauma inventory-104. Journal of Traumatic Stress , 20 (4), 615–625. James, R. K., & Gilliland, B. E. (2017). Crisis intervention strategies. Cengage Learning. Lind, D. (2019). Migrant Children Are Spending Months Waiting at the Border for Court Hearings. NBC News. https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/immigration/migrant-children- are-spending-months-waiting-border-court-hearings-n1041806

BHS-440 Crisis and Trauma

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