National RAP Conference February,19-23, 2007 Vancouver Identifying and Responding to Client Mental Health Issues Presenter: Marufa Shinwari, Settlement and Integration Services Organization (SISO), Hamilton, Ontario

Identifying Client Mental Health Issues 1. Overview of refugee / Immigrant Trauma ■ Pre-Migration Stress / Refugee Camp 2. Culture Shock and Emotional State ■ Migration Stress / Honeymoon 3. Possible Results of Stress and Traumatic Experiences 4. Responding to Client’s Mental Health Issues

Overview of refugee / Immigrant Trauma Pre-Migration Stress / Refugee Camp  Study of GARs background  The history of conflict / war  GAR experiences of possibility of trauma  Study of GARs CIC cultural profile / if possible

Honeymoon Adaptation 3 Months12 Months6 Months Arrival Emotional State GARS Immigrants Transition COA Moving Culture Shock Culture Shock / Migration Stress

Possible Results of Stress and Traumatic Experiences Depression Anxiety Anger Aggression Attention Difficulties Social Isolation Nightmares Lack of Social Support Local Mental Health Mental & Emotion Trauma Counselling HOST 1 Year Community Engagement Art Therapy New Comers p. Settlement Services 3 Years 5 Years 7 Years Challenges of Starting New Life Community Network

Responding to Client’s Mental Health Issues 1. CMHOP (Children Mentals Health Outreach Project) 2. Youth Activities Art Classes / Art Therapy Kits Club Home work and Dance Club and Movie Night 3. Womens Activities Cooking Class Craft & Sewing Class 4. Formation of Ethno Specific Communities Welcome Circle 5. Life Coaching & Personal Mentoring ( New Project)

Thank You