My name is Mariia, and I am an intern with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI Clackamas) in Milwaukie, OR. As a Ukrainian refugee who recently arrived in the United States, my journey has been both challenging and enlightening. Today, I want to share a bit about my experience as a NAMI intern and explore how the issues of mental health and refugee experiences intersect in my life.
From Ukraine to the USA
My story began in Ukraine, where I had a life filled with dreams, family, friends and career plans. The war changed everything. Like many others, I had to leave behind my home, and the life I knew. My parents and relatives are still in Ukraine, and going through this new chapter of my life without their support has been incredibly difficult. Although my journey to the USA was full of uncertainty, it also brought new opportunities.
Arriving in a new country is never easy. The language barrier, cultural differences, and the process of immigration in general can be overwhelming. Despite these challenges, I found a sense of purpose and hope through the support of others. Many immigrant organizations are dedicated to supporting newcomers to the United States, working to make the settlement process smoother and more manageable. My internship with NAMI has demonstrated that this organization is not an exception - it also serves as a valuable resource, providing essential support and creating a sense of community.
My Role at NAMI Clackamas
At NAMI Clackamas, I work on projects that aim to raise awareness about mental health, provide support to those in need, and advocate for policy changes. My role involves assisting with organizing events, and helping to spread the message that mental health matters. I’ve had the privilege of contributing to several vital areas that aim to enhance mental health awareness and support, especially for non-English-speaking communities.
One of the most impactful projects I've worked on is translating flyers and materials about mental health illnesses and NAMI's resources into Russian. This initiative is important for making mental health information more accessible to immigrants and refugees who might face language barriers. The translation work ensures that Russian-speaking individuals, including those from Ukraine and other Slavic countries, can access valuable information about mental health support and resources in their native language.
Helping with NAMI Clackamas’ events has been another rewarding aspect of my role. Whether it’s assembling informational packets, preparing resource kits for events, or organizing outreach materials, my work in this area helps ensure that everything is ready for distribution. It’s a task that may seem simple, but it plays a vital role in making sure that our resources reach individuals and communities effectively. Through these responsibilities, I’ve gained a deep appreciation for the behind-the-scenes work that supports NAMI’s mission.
The Importance of Mental Health for Refugees
The journey I’ve experienced — fleeing war, and starting over in a new country — has impacted my emotional and psychological state. The experience of war and displacement often comes with deep psychological impacts, such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD. From my experience, this was accompanied by a three-month period of insomnia, characterized by persistent difficulty falling or staying asleep; recurrent panic attacks, marked by sudden and intense episodes of fear or discomfort; and social anxiety, involving significant distress in social situations and interactions.
In addition to my personal struggles, I was surrounded by family and friends who were similarly affected by the emotional strain. Some of them have lower stress tolerance, so experienced panic attacks with notable frequency. I dedicated effort to work on skills to effectively support both myself and my loved ones during such episodes, ensuring that I could provide assistance and manage these challenging situations. That is why for me, understanding mental health issues is not just about coping with my own challenges but also about finding ways to heal.
The topic of mental health is important to me as a refugee for several reasons.
Trauma and Displacement: Leaving my home country and the trauma of full-scale invasion have deeply affected me and my family. Although I have extended relatives and have eventually made friends in the United States, adjusting to a new country and culture, while missing my family, has caused stress and emotional pain. These feelings are common among refugees, and it's important to address them. It is also vital to recognize that you are not alone in this journey; many others share similar experiences and feelings. There is help available, and reaching out for support can make a significant difference.
Stigma and Isolation: In many cultures, including my own, there can be a lot of stigma around mental health issues. Traditionally, mental health issues have been poorly understood in many Slavic cultures, often viewed as a personal weakness rather than as serious health concerns. That is why many people in Slavic cultures fear judgment from their peers and family members. This stigma can make it difficult for people to seek help. I’ve felt this stigma myself and understand how important it is to create supportive environments where people feel comfortable talking about their mental health.
Starting Over: Building a new life in a different country is more than just finding a job or a place to live. It requires emotional strength and support. My internship at NAMI Clackamas has shown me how important mental health support is for helping refugees and immigrants adjust. NAMI is deeply engaged with Spanish-speaking people, and I am confident that, with continued effort, Slavic communities will also come to see NAMI as a valuable resource for support.
Being part of this process has allowed me to contribute to NAMI’s efforts in a meaningful way, supporting outreach aspects of our work. My internship at NAMI Clackamas has shown me how crucial support and advocacy are for mental health. It’s not just about therapy or medication; it’s about creating an environment where people feel understood and valued. Every day I reinforce my belief in the importance of mental health support. It’s essential for everyone, especially refugees, to have access to resources and support. Together, we can create a world where mental health is prioritized.
Looking for an impactful internship or a volunteer experience? Contact Sheri at volunteercoor@namicc.org
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