Human Trafficking & Mental Health

Individuals who are trafficked suffer greatly, not only physically, but mentally, behaviorally and emotional as well. They will develop what psychiatrists call “Co-Occurring” disorders, meaning the occurrence of two or more psychological disorders. A common example is depression mixed with substance abuse. Another is psychosis and self-harm. Experienced health care professionals may have a difficult time diagnosing or treating mental health issues associated with human trafficking. Although there is currently little research on this topic, almost every trafficked person will experience emotional distress.

Common Psychological Problems

Trafficked persons will experience a variety of symptoms and are at a higher risk for developing severe psychological disorders if they had pre-existing conditions. Among the most common disorders are depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts or actions. Some will experience paranoia, nightmares and other sleep disturbances. Some trafficked persons become hyper-sexualized, exhibit emotional outbursts, experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or self-injury.

Being sold as a slave can completely disrupt healthy psychological, social, spiritual, and emotional development and growth. Both trafficked adults and children may feel despair, hopelessness and worthlessness. Some will turns to drugs and alcohol and others will be drugged by their captors. Intense emotions such as shame, guilt, rage, anger, humiliation, self-hate, and self-blame are common. Depending on the length of captivity and the severity of abuse, trafficked individuals can experience cognitive problems such as poor concentration, memory problems, and confusion. Cognitive impairment may also be the result of HIV and other infections. Some may experience dissociation.

Some trafficked person who have experienced severe beatings, torture and rape. They have suffered head and brain traumas. Some will have panic attacks, social anxiety, severe depression, and withdrawal symptoms from substance dependence. There are cases where trafficked people have committed suicide, because they found death to be a better alternative to their lives as slaves. Still, others have punished themselves through cutting, branding and disfiguring their bodies.

Stockholm Syndrome

One potential psychological consequence of being trafficked is Stockholm Syndrome, a condition that gets its name from a 1973 bank robbery in Stockholm, Sweden. Four hostages were taken and held during the robbery and an interesting thing happened – they began to sympathize with their captors, develop feelings for them and even side with them. This is also known as “Capture Bonding”, and does occur between trafficked persons and their traffickers. Some people may accept their fate of being a slave and remain in bondage. Some will bond with their tormentor. Others accept any attention they can get, even if it is from the person who is holding them against their will.

How to Help

It is important for you to recognize the signs of human trafficking and the many psychological symptoms that are associated with it. Remember, the trafficker is usually not far from their slaves, so be careful. Notify the authorities as quickly as possible and never put yourself in harm’s way. You can also report your suspicions to law enforcement by calling 911 or the 24-hour National Human Trafficking Hotline line at 1-888-373-7888.

If you find yourself in a situation with a trafficked person who is alone and is not being followed by their captor, try to get them to a hospital for help or to a police station. They may resist due to mistrust of healthcare professionals or law enforcement. They may not trust you either. Be supportive and non-judgmental. Let them know they have rights as human beings which include the right to information, bodily integrity, privacy, and decision-making. Let them know they deserve better and can get help.

Trafficked persons need to feel safe and in control. Never do anything that may re-victimize them. Be sensitive and understanding. They may be afraid or paranoid. Perhaps they don’t speak English.

If they do speak English or at least some English, ask the following questions:

• Can you leave your job if you wanted to?
• Can you come and go as you wish?
• Have you been hurt or threatened when you tried to leave?
• Has your family been threatened by someone?
• Do you currently live with your employer?
• Where do you sleep and eat?
• Are you currently in debt to your employer?
• Do you have your passport or personal identification? Who has it?

Final Words

Human trafficking is real and it is right here in the United States. Besides the obvious physical consequences of trafficking, many persons suffer from severe psychological reactions and disorders including depression, anxiety, suicidal behavior and PTSD. Trafficked people don’t have to continue being exploited, tortured or killed. We can all help by knowing the signs of trafficking and the psychological consequences of being trafficked.

More About Human Trafficking:

Human Trafficking 101
Human Trafficking: Support and Care
Human Trafficking: Physical Health Consequences