Rohingya refugees in India are experiencing a profound mental health crisis, fueled by past traumas and ongoing adversities. Laughter often serves as a defense mechanism, concealing the depths of their pain. Anxiety, dissociation, and self-harm are widespread. Their plight is exacerbated by discriminatory policies that deny them fundamental rights, label them as “illegal immigrants,” and subject them to xenophobia and the constant threat of detention and deportation. The dearth of adequate mental health support, compounded by funding restrictions on aid organizations, necessitates urgent international attention and a multi-faceted approach to address this dire situation.
The Mask of Laughter and Tears
In a recent group therapy session for Rohingya women refugees in Delhi, laughter erupted unexpectedly when the therapist inquired about their nighttime anxieties. The women’s mirth, however, masked a profound pain. They recounted harrowing experiences of nocturnal paralysis and panicked flights from their shelters, half-clad, at the mere sound of loud noises, fearing another fire. This seemingly incongruous laughter, psychotherapists explain, is a defense mechanism often employed by trauma survivors to shield themselves from the full weight of their anguish.
A History of Trauma and Continued Hardship
According to UNHCR data, over 22,000 Rohingya refugees reside in India, most having fled the brutal “clearance operations” conducted by the Myanmar military between 2012 and 2017. Their lives in India, marked by precarious living conditions and recurrent fires in their settlements—some accidental, others instigated by extremist groups—have only served to re-traumatize them.
Momina, a 24-year-old Rohingya mother, exemplifies the profound psychological impact of these experiences. Diagnosed with severe depression and dissociative identity disorder, she oscillates between multiple identities, each a manifestation of her traumatic past. Her story is not unique. Many Rohingya women report similar struggles with anxiety, dissociation, and self-harm.
Discrimination and Despair
While their trauma originates in the genocide they fled, the discriminatory conditions they face in India further exacerbate their mental health issues. Labeled as “illegal immigrants” and denied access to education, healthcare, legal services, and formal employment, their lives are shrouded in fear and uncertainty. The specter of arbitrary detention and deportation, despite many holding UNHCR refugee cards, amplifies their anxiety. Interviews with families and lawyers reveal that at least 500 Rohingyas, including women and children, are languishing in detention centers across India, often held for years without charges.
A Cry for Help Amidst Funding Challenges
Civil society organizations working to support Rohingya refugees are severely underfunded due to the cancellation of FCRA licenses that allowed them to receive foreign funding. This has led to the closure or drastic reduction of numerous programs, leaving the Rohingya community with limited access to essential services.
A Call for International Action
While the plight of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh has garnered significant attention, the escalating mental health crisis among those in India remains largely overlooked. Urgent intervention is required on multiple fronts. Addressing the root causes of re-traumatization, providing access to comprehensive healthcare, and supporting grassroots organizations are crucial steps towards alleviating their suffering and enabling their healing journeys.
Sunil Garnayak is an expert in Indian news with extensive knowledge of the nation’s political, social, and economic landscape and international relations. With years of experience in journalism, Sunil delivers in-depth analysis and accurate reporting that keeps readers informed about the latest developments in India. His commitment to factual accuracy and nuanced storytelling ensures that his articles provide valuable insights into the country’s most pressing issues.
