Trauma, Stress, and Immigration Enforcement
Supporting Individuals, Families, and Allies in Arizona
The current social and political climate is creating psychological harm for many individuals and families in our communities. If you are feeling anxious, overwhelmed, exhausted, or fearful, it is important to recognize that these reactions are understandable responses to ongoing uncertainty and real threats to safety.At Phoenix Health and WellBeing, we believe mental health does not exist in isolation. Our emotional wellbeing is closely connected to our sense of safety, stability, family, and belonging. When those foundations feel uncertain, it can affect how we think, feel, and function in daily life.Support during times like this is not only about internal coping strategies. It also includes access to accurate information, connection to community, and knowing where to turn for support. This guide was created to provide both mental health insight and practical resources to help individuals, families, and allies better understand available protections in Arizona while also caring for their emotional wellbeing.The Impact of Stress and Fear on Mental Health
When individuals live with ongoing fear related to detention, separation, or loss of safety, the nervous system may remain in a prolonged state of alert. This is a common and expected response when the body perceives ongoing threat or uncertainty.People experiencing chronic stress or fear may notice:Persistent anxiety or ongoing feelings of fearHypervigilance or difficulty feeling safe, even in familiar environmentsSleep disruption, difficulty falling asleep, or frequent nightmaresIrritability, emotional shutdown, or feelings of numbnessDifficulty concentrating, making decisions, or staying presentPhysical symptoms such as headaches, stomach discomfort, or ongoing fatigue
Children may also show changes in behavior, mood, school performance, or attachment patterns. These responses are often expressions of stress and fear rather than intentional misbehavior, and they benefit most from understanding, stability, and support.When Your Nervous System Won’t Settle
Many people wonder why they cannot simply “calm down,” even when they try to distract themselves or think through the situation logically. Often, the answer is straightforward: the body is responding to real or perceived uncertainty. When safety feels unpredictable, the nervous system naturally stays alert in an effort to protect you.In situations like this, the goal is not to force calm or eliminate fear entirely. Instead, it is to help the body experience moments of stability and regulation, even while uncertainty exists.While no coping strategy can remove systemic stress or fear, the following approaches may help reduce emotional and physical distress:Maintaining predictable routines where possible, as consistency helps signal safety to the nervous systemLimiting repeated exposure to distressing news or social media to reduce emotional overload and fatigueStaying connected to supportive community members, friends, and family to reduce isolationUsing grounding or sensory-based techniques to help bring attention back to the present momentAllowing space to talk openly about fear, grief, or anger without judgment or pressure to “fix” the feeling
Support is not about eliminating fear. It is about helping fear become more manageable so that individuals and families can continue to function, connect, and care for themselves during difficult periods.Arizona-Based Resources
The following organizations provide advocacy, legal support, community care, and mental health-related services for immigrants and their allies in Arizona:Puente Arizona – Community support, organizing, and educationAliento AZ – Mental health and healing spaces for undocumented and mixed-status individualsFlorence Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project – Free legal and social services for detained immigrantsACLU of Arizona – Know-your-rights education and advocacyInternational Rescue Committee (Phoenix) – Refugee and immigrant support servicesFriendly House (Phoenix) – Family services and immigrant resourcesArizona Immigrant and Refugee Services (AIRS) – Housing, job training, and legal filings.National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) – Legal services for DACA recipients, LGBTQ+, and low-income immigrants.No More Deaths – Humanitarian aid and advocacy along the borderBorderlands Resource Initiative – Community aid and support in southern Arizona
Mental Health Support Is Part of Safety
Mental health support is an important part of overall safety and wellbeing. Therapy can provide a space to:Process fear and uncertainty without minimizing or dismissing the experienceAddress trauma responses and the impact of chronic stress on the body and mindSupport children and families navigating ongoing anxiety or instabilityDevelop coping strategies that are realistic, sustainable, and appropriate for current circumstances
Mental health care is appropriate even when external circumstances have not changed. You do not need to wait until things feel unmanageable to seek support.For Allies and Supporters
If you are supporting someone affected by immigration-related stress or uncertainty, your presence and consistency matter. Listening without minimizing fear, staying informed through reliable sources, and offering practical support can make a meaningful difference. It is also important for allies to care for their own wellbeing so they can remain steady and available to others.Allies can offer support by:Sharing accurate and reliable local resourcesAccompanying loved ones to appointments or community events when appropriateAvoiding minimizing fear or rushing reassuranceStaying engaged with trusted community organizationsTaking care of their own nervous systems so they can remain present and supportive
Closing
Living with immigration-related fear can affect emotional health, relationships, and daily functioning. If you are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or stuck in survival mode, support exists both within the community and through mental health care.You deserve care, stability, and support, even in the midst of uncertainty.