Humanitarian crises and mental health coping strategies among Myanmar refugees in Mizoram State, India

Abstract

The Myanmar military coup in February 2021 exacerbated the existing severe humanitarian crisis, resulting in the displacement of over 3.5 million civilians as of June 2025. Additionally, 78,731 individuals sought asylum in neighboring India as of 2023, fleeing the persecution and armed conflict in their homeland. This qualitative study examines the lived experiences and coping mechanisms of Myanmar refugees in Mizoram, India, after the 2021 coup through interviews with camp leaders, refugees and camp helpers. This study findings highlight the challenges faced by displaced populations, including insufficient humanitarian assistance for basic needs, restricted livelihood opportunities, and barriers to accessing healthcare have worsened their psychological distress and well-being. This study findings also revealed that due to lack of formal mental health support in refugee camps, refugees have to rely on religious coping strategies and communal gatherings as resilience mechanisms. This research findings underscore the need for structured humanitarian interventions, including the enhanced provision of essential services, COVID-19 vaccination programs, and psychosocial support for displaced Myanmar populations in Mizoram. This study contributes to the refugee welfare discourse in conflict-induced displacement settings by highlighting the role of international and local aid agencies in addressing asylum seekers' vulnerabilities.