Impact of Structural Violence/Border Walls on Mental Health in Palestine and Mexico

Consequences and Outcome of Border Walls on the Mental Health in Palestine and Mexico
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Introduction and Statement of the Issue/Problem
In the contemporary era of globalization, the emergence of pressing concerns such as structural violence and the construction of border walls have gone beyond physical impediments, assuming the status of significant challenges. Despite the extensive discourse surrounding the political and economic ramifications, it is imperative to promptly examine the issues/problem statement (Vallet, 2020). This study focuses on the effects of different forms of structural violence, including the construction of border walls, deterrence, border patrols, military checkpoints, and lack of access to basic health facilities. All these factors affect the mental and psychological well-being of individuals residing in Palestine and Mexico. These two distinct geographical regions share a commonality. The Israeli-Palestinian war in Palestine has resulted in the construction of substantial border barriers and checkpoints, effectively dividing towns and impeding the mobility of Palestinians. According to the study conducted by Wheatley and Kroll-Zeldin (2020), the residents residing in the vicinity experience daily feelings of fear, confusion, and tension due to the evident indications of conflict, which make such issues quite compelling. In the area of the United States-Mexico border, there exist stringent regulations about immigration, which have been a source of contention due to their impact on familial unity and the physical barriers that serve to separate individuals. An illustrative instance is implementing the “Remain in Mexico” policy, which required those seeking asylum to remain in Mexico during the adjudication process of their cases in the United States. Apart from this, population-based interventions have also contributed to the rise of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in people affected by the effects. Research by Wheatley and Kroll-Zeldin (2020) said that about 17% of the people living in the Gaza Strip, which is in Palestine, showed signs of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This paper will focus on different structural violence factors, primarily border walls, which have affected the psychological well-being of people living in Palestine and Mexico, backed by relevant literature review and studies. Also, there would be an elaboration on evidence-based interventions and policy-based recommendations to deal with the mental issues of the Mexican and Palestinian People.
Literature Review
Structural Violence Across Border Walls in Palestine and Mexico
Structural violence comprises many systemic elements that lead to mental health inequities, impacting individuals and communities residing in Palestine and Mexico. The impact of these various manifestations of structural violence on mental health is significant in both locations. Apart from border walls, several other critical issues, including medical and land apartheid and land theft, have increased mental disturbances among the residents of these two countries. The history of structural violence goes back to drug cartels, and the building of walls along the U.S.-Mexico border is linked to the problem of structural violence in Mexico (Silberman et al., 2022). An evidence-based study by the Migration Policy Institute found that people forced to stay in Mexico because of the “Remain in Mexico” policy lived in terrible conditions and went through a lot of mental pain. Human Rights First released a study saying that the policy has caused several controversies and has put people in grave danger, such as being attacked or taken away, dramatically affecting their mental health.
The impact of structural violence and border walls on mental health in Palestine and Mexico is a complex and profoundly distressing issue that gives rise to significant human rights considerations. These regions encounter distinct yet interconnected challenges stemming from physical and emotional barriers that impede their inhabitants’ fundamental rights and welfare. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict in Palestine has resulted in the construction of physical obstacles, such as the West Bank Barrier. These buildings not only serve as barriers that divide communities but also pose challenges in accessing vital resources like healthcare and education (World Bank, 2022). Palestinian individuals residing within occupied territories are confronted with daily arduous circumstances, encompassing the distressing experience of seeing violence and enduring traumatic incidents, significantly impairing their psychological well-being.
Border Patrol and Military Checkpoints
In Palestine, the Israeli military checkpoints and separation wall create a feeling of fear and make it hard to move around. The Palestinian people feel like they have no control over their lives because they are constantly watched and regulated. This makes them feel more anxious, traumatized, and helpless (Giglioli, 2021). In Mexico, where the drug war is still ongoing, armed checkpoints cause similar fear and anxiety among the civilian population.
Blockades and Deterrence
Israeli blockades on Gaza have made life more difficult for locals, increasing their already heavy burden of worry and despair. The Mexican government’s efforts to prevent migrants from entering the United States by deterrence frequently subject them to violence and trauma, which can have long-lasting effects on their mental health.
Detention and Medical Apartheid
Lack of access to mental health care is a common problem at immigration and political detention camps in both regions. Trauma, detention, medical apartheid, isolation, and abuse are among the factors that can negatively impact inmates’ mental health (Mendoza, 2023). Furthermore, vulnerable groups are further marginalized by medical apartheid or unequal access to healthcare.
Land Theft and Apartheid
Land theft and apartheid caused by Israeli settlers taking over Palestinian land and building settlements make people sad and give up on life. When indigenous tribes in Mexico lose their ground and have to move, it negatively affects their mental health.
Access to Mental Health Care
Palestine and Mexico have trouble getting the mental health care they need, especially in poor places (Giglioli, 2021). Because mental health problems are seen as shameful, and there aren’t enough tools, many people do not get the help they need.
Economic Strain
There are ongoing wars and economic problems in Palestine, and in Mexico, there is poverty and inequality. Both of these add to the stress that affects mental health. Fighting for basic needs and chances can always make people feel anxious and sad.
Social Disintegration
In both contexts, prolonged violence and abuse can lead individuals to experience a depletion of their social disintegration and a diminished sense of trust within their communities, exacerbating the detrimental effects on their mental well-being.
Figure SEQ Figure \* ARABIC 1: Psychological symptoms in West Bank and Gaza as of 2022
(World Bank, 2022).
Moreover, the imposition of a blockade on Gaza has resulted in significant challenges for individuals in accessing essential resources such as food, clean water, and medical assistance, giving rise to a pressing humanitarian issue. As presented in the figure above, the prevailing circumstances have increased the prevalence of psychological distress, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health disorders among the Palestinian population.
Figure SEQ Figure \* ARABIC 2: Number of people that reported suffering from a mental health condition in Mexico in 2020 by age (in 1000)
(Mendoza, 2023).
As shown in the image above, Mexico encounters a distinct array of challenges due to the physical barrier separating it from the United States, which is one of the major causes of increasing mental issues in the country. This particular obstacle is a compelling illustration of how immigration legislation frequently dehumanizes individuals seeking improved living conditions, portraying them as offenders instead of individuals aspiring for a better life.
The inherent brutality embedded within immigration laws and border enforcement exacerbates the severity of mental health issues. The fragmentation of families and the confinement of children in densely populated facilities can engender enduring psychological strain. Furthermore, perpetuating negative stereotypes about migrants and refugees perpetuates prejudice, fostering a hostile environment that adversely impacts their mental well-being. Individuals who experience the adverse consequences of structural violence and border walls are not the exclusive demographic whose mental well-being is negatively affected by these phenomena. Conversely, entire communities experience the impact. The erosion of social cohesion, disintegration of familial structures, and challenges in accessing essential services perpetuate a cycle of adversity and distress.
Adopting an approach grounded in human rights principles is imperative to address these fundamental issues. Collaborative efforts from all stakeholders are vital to dismantle societal obstacles, eradicate discriminatory practices, and ensure equitable access to healthcare, education, and social welfare. Irrespective of an individual’s nationality or immigration status, international organizations and governments must extend their assistance towards upholding the fundamental ideals of justice, equality, and human dignity for all individuals.
Social Determinants and Mental Health
Views go here from scholars who have researched the complicated relationship between socioeconomic factors and mental health results in places where structural violence and border barriers have an effect. Studies argue that people who live in these areas have higher levels of mental distress because they have less access to health care, schooling, and jobs. The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) points out that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict significantly affects Palestine’s social and economic conditions, dramatically affecting the mental health problem. Some things, like high unemployment and poverty, make it easier for mental health problems to happen.
Racial Inequities and Discrimination
In Palestine and Mexico, the mental health problem is caused mainly by race and ethnicity differences. In Palestine, discriminatory behaviors related to the occupation have hurt Palestinians more than anyone else. Another evidence-based institution, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), said in 2020 that there were more than 500 checks and roadblocks in the West Bank. These actions made it hard for people to get essential services and made it hard for the Palestinian group to stay together (Hawkes & Buse, 2019). This has led...