Sofrimento psíquico e social de trabalhadores migrantes na fronteira Brasil-Bolívia

Abstract

Migration, a phenomenon as old as human history, often results from the search for better economic prospects and improved quality of life. The challenges faced by migrants are multifaceted, with mental health and unemployment emerging as crucial factors shaping their experiences. A migratory journey involves leaving behind family systems of social support and cultural contexts, which contributes to feelings of isolation and loneliness. The process of adapting to a new nation, language and social norms can harm mental well-being, contributing to anxiety, depression and stress. Combined with this, uncertainty and difficulty in finding a suitable job upon arriving at the new destination can exacerbate mental health problems. Persistent unemployment not only affects your economic stability but also increases your mental burden, leading to a cycle of stress and hopelessness. The present research aimed to analyze the levels of anxiety, depression, Post-traumatic stress disorder and the presence of potentially traumatic experiences in the lives of unemployed migrants hosted by the "Casa do Migrante" in the city of Corumbá/MS, on the Brazil-Bolivia border. A mixed method was used using five instruments to collect data: a sociodemographic questionnaire and scales to assess depression (PHQ-9), anxiety (GAD-7), PTSD (PLC-C), potentially traumatic experiences (LiMEs) and psychological-social suffering of unemployed people (EASPSTD). Twelve migrants participated in the research, nine Venezuelans, two Colombians and one Chilean, six men and six women, between 18 and 62 years old. The data indicate the presence of some level of mental and social suffering in all participants. Experiences of discrimination, abuse, deprivation and humiliation are part of the trajectory narrated by the participants, who came to Brazil in search of better living conditions. Despite the fragility of the psychological structure associated with challenging experiences and the presence of emotional problems, the absence of psychological support services for this population was identified, which could further harm the migrants' adaptation and integration into the new society. The data collected points to the need for training and training psychology professionals on strategies and interventions to contribute to improving the well-being and mental health of migrants, aiming to provide access to mental health services in the border region.