The Hidden Epidemic: Mental Health Epidemiology in Post-Conflict Populations and Implications for Conflict Transformation Practices

Abstract

This capstone explores the ramifications of unmitigated mental health illness in conflict populations, paying special attention to refugees and migrants. The intersection between conflict and mental health is explored and analyzed in order to highlight the implications of the findings and to make recommendations to both metal health and conflict transformation practitioners. This capstone depends predominately on secondary resources and personal interviews and is informed by my own practicum experience at a refugee health center. The need to improve mental health outcomes in order to pursue conflict transformation and peace building is a key focus and is supported by the research pursued by this capstone. This capstone closes with a call to action, elucidating the importance of practicing in a multidisciplinary fashion, marrying conflict transformation practice and mental health practice, to cater to the refugee crisis in Syria