ACE Score tagged posts

The theme for WHO World Health Day on April 7 is “Depression: Let’s Talk.” CFYM is celebrating the event with a post from the archive by Farha Abbasi, M.D., that looks at the role of faith in supporting the mental health issues associated with the trauma of immigration.

Farha Abbasi M.D, Assistant Professor, Psychiatry Department, Michigan State University

Imagine being alone in a new country — unable to speak the language, surrounded by an unfamiliar culture, and forced to leave your entire life behind. This is the reality for many immigrants around the world.

Read More

Farha Abbasi M.D, Assistant Professor, Psychiatry Department, Michigan State Univverisity

Imagine being alone in a new country — unable to speak the language, surrounded by an unfamiliar culture, and forced to leave your entire life behind. This is the reality for many immigrants around the world.

In the year 2000, I left Pakistan to come to the U.S. Although I immigrated willingly to pursue a career in medicine, the experience was painful and frightening nonetheless.

As I embarked on my subsequent career as a psychiatrist and professor, I came to realize I was not alone in my experience. Immigration, even when it’s by choice, can cause serious trauma, and for many it becomes a significant risk factor for mental health concerns. In addition, faith — a powerful force for many immigrants — is often overlooked or ignored by care providers.

Read More