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 structura...