An Exploration Into the Impact of the Resettlement Experience, Traditional Health Beliefs and Customs on Mental Ill-Health and Suicide Rates in the Ethiopian Community in London

There is very little research on the resettlement experience of Ethiopian forced migrants in London, particularly on causes of mental illness & access to mental health care. This paper reports on a pilot study consisting of interviews with an Ethiopian priest, community leaders, & Ethiopians working in the community health sector. Initial analysis suggested this group faces multiple forms of disadvantage which affect mental health. A further interesting dynamic was the relation between lack of help seeking behaviours, due to cultural expectations & norms, & lack of access & engagement with Western treatments. Perhaps most significant was concern about the increasing suicide rate among this group. Many respondents suggested a direct causal link between suicide & maladjustment in exile. (38 refs.)