More about Mindfulness for Integration

The majority of refugees are repeatedly exposed to stress and traumatic events in their home country and during their journey to safer areas (Abu Suhaiban, Hiba et al., 2019). During resettlement they often face unemployment, loneliness and uncertainty about asylum and settlement procedures and the future (WHO, 2019). These factors may all contribute to the relatively high prevalence of mental disorders in refugees (WHO, 2019). Studies have shown that mindfulness practice (lessons on techniques to calm the mind and body) linked to creative output, thought and artistic activities can lead to a higher level of social engagement and reduce the negative effects of stress and increase peoples’ ability to stay engaged and focused, helping them stay on track academically and avoid behavioural problems (OECD, 2018). In Greece, for example, there are high rates of migration, almost 11% of the population are migrants and there is need for supportive actions and services to assist migrant groups and the professionals working with them, to safeguard their mental health to be able to participate in society. Refugees and asylum seekers have reported that engagement with the arts following forced displacement supported them in creating new support networks and developing practical skills that were useful in finding work (WHO, 2019). In both child and adult refugees, and asylum seekers, creative arts activities have been found to decrease anxiety, depression, post- traumatic stress disorders and peer problems (Tyrer, RA; Fazel, M, 2014).