Immigrants and mental health

 

Mental health promotion among the immigrant population is an important way of supporting inclusion, and improving health and wellbeing outcomes. The immigration process increases exposure to a number of psychological and social risk factors which exacerbate the likelihood of developing mental health difficulties. If left un-treated these mental health difficulties can complicate everyday life and hinder the integration process. 

Many health discrepancies between the native born population and immigrant population groups can be explained by differences in mental health. Mental health difficulties have also been found to contribute towards physical health difficulties and hampered functional ability within immigrant population groups. 

In many cultures, mental health difficulties are connected to feelings of fear and shame, coupled with lack of awareness. This combination may contribute towards mental health difficulties going unidentified and untreated. Family or community members may for example not recognise or acknowledge signs and symptoms of mental health difficulties, which can reduce the likelihood of help seeking. Help seeking may be further complicated by fear of shame, or negative social repercussions.  

You can find more information on immigrants’ mental health on Migration and cultural diversity site.  
Migration and cultural diversity