Psychosocial and mental health during the COVID-19 lockdown: A rapid qualitative study in migrant shelters at the Mexico-United States border

Abstract

Introduction. Migrants could be at increased risk of the psychosocial and mental health consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. Research is needed to assess their needs and the most useful interventions in this regard. Objective. To describe the mental health consequences of the pandemic and lockdown measures among migrants living in shelters in Tijuana, Mexico, during the COVID-19 pandemic, barriers to mental healthcare during this period, and the key elements of psychosocial support provided by civil society organizations (CSOs), as described by shelters’ staff. Method. In April-May 2020, we conducted a rapid qualitative study through interviews with persons providing services at eight migrant shelters, complementing the information with data from an ongoing ethnographic project. We situated the results within the levels of the United Nations’ Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) pyramid of psychosocial and mental health support. Results. In addition to fear of contagion and economic insecurity, migrants experienced emotional distress associated with hardening migration policies, and the difficulties of having to find shelter in place in non-private spaces. Some CSOs continued or adapted previous psychosocial support activities, helping migrants navigate these issues, but other activities stopped amidst physical distancing measures and because of limited resources. Migrants themselves implemented some group activities. There was a surge of civil society initiatives of online support, but some shelters laeked the technological and other resources to benefit from them. Discussion and conclusion. Migrants require a tailor made response to their mental health needs in the COVID-19 pandemic, such as the one provided by CSOs.

A scoping review of the impacts of COVID-19 physical distancing measures on vulnerable population groups

“…Migrant workers also suffer significant mental stress and loneliness due to financial instability, the isolation of migrant worker dormitories, language and cultural barriers, an inability to send remittances to families, and barriers to returning home to see their family members 92 , 122 , 129 , 130 . These predicaments have resulted in some migrant workers adopting different survival strategies, such as reducing their expenses, consuming less food, and selling their jewellery, land and other possessions 123 .…”

“… • UK: housing instability deteriorated for migrant workers during the lockdown 126 . • Mexico: Mental health programmes organised by NGOs had to stop due to physical distancing 123 . • India: inter-state migrant workers encountered various challenges during the lockdown 92 , 122 , 127 , 128 .…”

“…Migrant workers are exposed to economic vulnerability due to experiencing adverse employment conditions, such as precarious recruitment processes, an absence of accurate information on the terms and conditions of employment contracts, and a lack of labour law coverage in the destination state/location 121 . They may also face mental health vulnerability 122 , such as suffering from emotional distress due to social and cultural isolation, hardening migration policies and even the loss of accommodation in the destination state/ location [123][124][125][126] .…”

Interrupted transit and common mental disorders among migrants in Tijuana, Mexico

“…For migrants at the Mexico-United States border, during the pandemic their time in an uncertain migration condition was prolonged by the interruption of asylum procedures and border closures. At the same time, many of the migrant shelters where we worked implemented lockdown measures, which added to the stress experienced by migrants who had to choose between staying in them without being able to go out, or finding a different accommodation (Bojorquez et al, 2021). This situation might have increased the prevalence of symptoms of depression and anxiety in comparison with other periods.…”

“…Among migrants staying in shelters in Mexico, the duration of the journey and the number of failed attempts to reach the United States, are associated with depression and alcohol dependency (Altman et al, 2018). Migrants in the Mexico-United States border have been described as 'stopped in motion' (Odgers & Olivas, 2019), a condition that might increase their feelings of hopelessness and helplessness and therefore add a burden to their mental health (Bojorquez et al, 2021). However, there are very few studies that employ large samples and standardized instruments to evaluate the association between these circumstances and mental health problems in this setting.…”