Migración de venezolanos a Florida Central, Estados Unidos. Aspectos relacionados con la percepción de condiciones y necesidades de salud mental en 2019

This study used a qualitative, phenomenological approach to engage Venezuelan immigrants to Central Florida, United States, to explore perceptions related to mental health. Information obtained focused on the expectations and experiences related to their journey, social and family relationships, and the socioeconomic context in which they currently perceive themselves, as well as information related to their emotional, physical, and cognitive reactions before, during, and after their journey. The majority of participants in this study described political or economic reasons for leaving their country of origin, and for more than half, motives related to future conditions for their children. Four out of 5 immigrants indicated stress, and 3 out of 5 reported significant sadness or frustration and feeling that they had no control over their situation. Out of 5 participants reported feelings of isolation since arriving in Florida. This is an important insight, as isolation is an important predictor of mental health challenges, and lack of social network support is related to limited resiliency.