For many migrants, the journey doesn’t end upon arrival; it’s just the beginning of an emotional and psychological struggle. In this powerful episode of Our Story, Your Voice, hosts Agatha Phiri, Ruth Mbera, and Judith Nyanjowa explore immigration psychosis, the deep and lasting mental health effects of displacement, uncertainty, and systemic neglect.

Joined by Dr. Suriya Nayak, an expert in social work and a dedicated activist, the discussion challenges Western psychiatric labels and highlights the human rights perspective of migration trauma. Dr. Nayak emphasises that while "psychosis" is often used to describe extreme distress, the reality for migrants, especially those facing forced displacement, racial discrimination, and immigration detention, is one of survival in the face of unimaginable stress.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

🔹 What is immigration psychosis? A breakdown of its meaning beyond the clinical definition.
🔹 The trauma of forced migration—how the body and mind react to loss, uncertainty, and systemic barriers.
🔹 Living in fear—how asylum seekers are forced to relive their trauma through repeated questioning, surveillance, and isolation.
🔹 Resilience and recovery—why grassroots support networks like SAWN (Support and Action for Women’s Network) play a crucial role in healing.
🔹 The power of language—how terms like "survivor" empower migrants rather than stigmatise them.
🔹 Breaking the silence—why sharing lived experiences is a form of healing and activism.

Through personal testimonies, expert insights, and raw emotions, this episode exposes the hidden mental health crisis among migrants and the urgent need for compassionate policies and community-driven support.

“Together we are stronger, and silence will not protect.” Tune in for an eye-opening conversation that challenges misconceptions and offers hope to those navigating the harsh realities of immigration.

🎧 Listen now and join the conversation. Your story matters.