Yahoo Finance EU citizens in Scotland struggle with mental health problems over Brexit 'trauma'
Brexit has had a huge negative impact on the mental health of EU citizens living in Scotland, with hostility and uncertainty leading to stress, depression and anxiety.
A report by Robert Gordon University (RBG) has revealed the Brexit campaign, referendum and subsequent political discourse have damaged EU citizens’ well-being – primarily through undermining their integration into Scottish society.
Many EU citizens now struggle with anxiety due to uncertainty about the future relationship between the EU and the UK, and, thus, their legal status, the report claims.
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Many told RBG they feel unable to make informed decisions about their future – including starting studies or buying a house. Some have even considered moving outside the UK but are concerned that they “wouldn’t be allowed to return”.
And Irish participants expressed worry that closed crossings may be reinstated to the Irish border, potentially resulting in a repeat of the Troubles.
What’s more, many said Brexit had altered their feelings of belonging in Scotland. While most found it welcoming when they arrived, the feeling of integration and belonging was seriously damaged by the referendum result, with rejection materialising as an increase in discrimination.
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Brits are more confident expressing negative views about migration and other cultures, they said. Consequently, many EU citizens do not feel comfortable speaking their mother tongue in public places.
One respondent told RBG: “I’m the only foreigner. And recently, there are funny comments like, ‘Soon you will be out,’ and they try to make it, ‘Oh, I’m just joking,’ but I don’t feel comfortable. I really feel attacked in way.
Another added: “We had to do the [EU Settlement Scheme]. I failed. Straight away, I thought of Germany – when they had to wear yellow star, Jewish people. I felt different, I was a different citizen, I was the other one.
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This change has negative effects on the mental health of some EU citizens, and exacerbated existing mental health problems for others, with many describing the Brexit process as “traumatic”.
“I was diagnosed with depression in 2017, and, of course, it’s not only because of Brexit but, I think Brexit was one of the impact, one of the factors,” a respondent said.
They added: “I have physical pain as well, that’s new, since Brexit. I have a lot of pain in my neck, which turns into headaches and that’s all pressure pain. It’s all tension.
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“One time I had so much tension in my shoulder that I had nerve pain going down my arm. It’s to do with stress. So, emotionally, physically and mentally, Brexit has definitely had an impact on me.”
