Mental health in Connecticut’s migrant community represents an urgent and complex problem that requires priority attention. Although migrants stand out for their effort and perseverance in the search for a better life, they face a silent crisis marked by uprooting, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, and addictions. More than 15% of Connecticut residents are migrants, and many live under a constant sense of threat and vulnerability. The language barrier makes integration difficult, generates social isolation, and limits the creation of support networks. At the same time, job instability and fear of unemployment contribute to chronic stress that can develop into generalized anxiety disorders.

Fear related to immigration status feeds uncertainty and raises the risk of panic attacks, insomnia, and eating problems. According to data from the Connecticut Department of Public Health (2023), 22% of adults report symptoms of depression, and 27% suffer from anxiety—figures that worsen among the migrant population. The migration process involves traumatic experiences such as family separation, discrimination, and racism.

Changes in mental health affect not only emotional well-being but also the physical condition of individuals. Prolonged stress weakens the immune system, increasing the risk of chronic illnesses such as hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular problems. Depression can cause loss of appetite, extreme fatigue, and unexplained physical pain. In addition, the use of drugs as an escape mechanism worsens the situation, causing dependency, cognitive deterioration, and family conflict.

Social stigma and the fear of being labeled “weak” or “crazy” perpetuate silent suffering. Only 45% of those who experience mental health issues seek professional help, leaving more than half of the migrant community without adequate support. The lack of health insurance, precarious jobs, and long workdays make access to mental health services difficult and leave many without recovery options.

Mental health directly affects the family unit. Migrant children and adolescents witness their parents’ suffering, which exposes them to emotional and behavioral problems, affecting their school performance and adaptation to their environment. Fear and hopelessness can become generational patterns, perpetuating the cycle of suffering.

Despite the challenges, the migrant community shows resilience; churches, associations, and community centers offer help, but internal solidarity is insufficient. It is essential that organizations and authorities strengthen support programs, provide accessible resources, and rely on empathetic and well-trained professionals who understand the migrant experience.

“Caring for the community’s mental health means protecting life and dignity. Seeking help is a brave act that transforms fear into hope. No one should feel alone or ashamed; mental health is everyone’s responsibility, and it is the duty of the whole society to build a healthier, stronger, and more united community.”

Milton Capón Bermeo is a clinical psychologist with 18 years of experience in Ecuador in the areas of clinical care, public health, and social policy, a student of the Danbury PLTI Class of 2024, and Co-Founder of the ABYA YALA Migrant Community. To reach him, call (203) 809-0603.