ROMA SUPPORT GROUP
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Mental health

Contents
  • Introduction to the Roma health guide
  • Barriers to healthcare for the Roma community
    - System barriers
    - Language barriers and communication 
    - Cultural barriers
  • ​Common health problems and vulnerable groups: 
           - Long term/chronic illness or disability
           - Lifestyle related illnesses and hypertension
           - Cancer
           - Mental health
           - Immunisation
           - Maternity services
           - Children and young people
           - Rough sleepers and homeless community members
  • Case studies
  • Resources

Mental health

Although high rates of anxiety and depression are reported [1]  in Roma communities, they have low levels of access to mental health services.  Talking about mental health is a greater taboo than any other health issue, although attitudes are changing among younger people. The belief that mental health problems are genetic and run in the family is common, and so they are rarely discussed for fear of damaging the family’s reputation or children’s future chances of finding a marriage partner. The community language Romanes  lacks the vocabulary to describe common mental health problems like depression, anxiety attacks or a range of different emotions, which can create barriers to accurate self-expression and diagnosis.

​A history of discrimination also affects attitudes to health professionals: some parents worry that if they seek help with mental health problems they will be institutionalised, or seen as unfit parents and their children removed.

Stress is a key external factor affecting mental health. A Leeds HNA from 2013 found that 89% of Roma respondents reported high levels of stress with common causes being financial or work issues. In a 2021 survey [2]  of community members in London helped by Roma Support Group, many experienced job loss and financial difficulty during the Covid-19 pandemic, and reported having to borrow money or use food banks. Mental health problems for Roma patients may also be intensified by social exclusion, such as experiencing  discrimination, stigma, or racist attacks.  It is important to be aware that many people needing mental health support live in families with complex problems, and a holistic approach will be advisable.

Recommendations:
​
  • Avoid assumptions about what information Roma patients will have access to, particularly about mental health.
  • Offer training for mental health professionals to enhance their understanding of Roma patients’ needs and enable more effective interventions.
  • Offer treatment from a health professional of the same gender and age group wherever possible.
  • Improve access to treatment for Roma people experiencing mental health issues (this could include one-to-one advocacy with bilingual advocates – for an example, see the Roma Mental Health Advocacy Project.
  • Co-produce and co-deliver community based interventions to assist the Roma community and individuals to develop new ways of conceptualising mental health and wellbeing, and help overcome the stigma attached to mental health issues in the community.
  • Co-produce and co-deliver community based interventions to empower Roma community members to navigate the health services and access support, while ensuring their sense of dignity and safety.

[1] p. 5, Roma Support Group: Roma Mental Health Advocacy Project (2015-21) Self-Evaluation Report (2021)

[2] Roma Support Group: Lessons learned: Supporting the Roma community through Covid-19 (2021)

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The Roma Support Group is a registered Charity (No. 1103782)​  
​
and a Company Limited by Guarantee 
​registered in England and Wales, (No. 0464598).
​Registered office address: 17 Old Ford Road, London, E2 9PJ 
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  • Home
    • About Us
    • Trustees
    • Staff
    • Our Funders
    • News & Events
    • Vacancies >
      • Jobs
      • Volunteering
      • Volunteering as a trustee
    • History
  • Projects
    • Advice & Advocacy >
      • Service User Agreement
      • Roma Community Advocacy Project (2014-19)
      • Elder Roma Engagement Project (2011-14)
      • Young Roma Advocacy Project (2010-13)
    • Art & Culture >
      • Roma Bridging Sounds Orchestra
      • Instrumental music classes in East London >
        • Stage performances by participants in our instrumental classes
        • Dance classes
        • Exhibitions
        • Romani Rad
        • Promoting Roma musicians and artists
        • Visual arts workshops
        • Forum Theatre Project
    • Aspiration Project >
      • Roma Aspiration Project >
        • Education Support Projects
        • Young Roma enjoy orienteering in Lee Valley Regional Park
        • Roma children visit Parliament
        • Building bridges and breaking barriers
        • Kids’ Cookery School
    • Mental Health Project >
      • Health Projects
    • Ketane - Together: Roma Shaping Futures
    • Policy and Campaigning
    • Roma and Brexit >
      • Stay Settled in Newham Project
    • Roma News Project
    • Romano Kher: Roma Housing Advocacy Project
    • 'Roma Stories': Roma Oral History Project
    • Roma Support and Engagement Programme >
      • Roma Support Group Expertise
    • RSG 25th Anniversary
    • Sport Inclusion
  • Campaigns
    • Mishto Campaign >
      • Support the Mishto Campaign
      • Mishto Pledge for Charities
      • Mishto Pledge for Local Authorities
      • Mishto Pledge for Schools
  • Resources
    • Newsletters
    • Our Publications
    • Annual Reports
    • Our Research
    • Resources for the Roma Community
    • Health Research and Guidance
    • Gypsy Roma and Traveller History Month >
      • Gypsy Roma and Traveller History Month 2020
      • Gypsy Roma and Traveller History Month 2021 >
        • GRTHM 2021 Art Competition
      • Gypsy Roma and Traveller History Month 2022 - RSG Art Competition
      • GRTHM 2023 Art Competition
      • GRTHM 2024 Art Competition
    • Robert Dawson Collection
    • Alternative Service Providers
    • Other Resources
  • Support for Professionals
    • Intervention Service for Professionals Working with Roma Families and Individuals in Crisis
    • Training for Professionals and the Community
    • Specialist Support for Research and Consultation
  • Support us
    • How to donate
    • Membership
    • Legacies
  • Contact
    • Make a referral