“Everything was stuck in my inside and I just wanted to get it out”: Psychological distress, coping, and help-seeking for young adult Australian Hazaras from refugee backgrounds

2021 ◽  
pp. 136346152110596
Author(s):  
Carly Copolov ◽  
Ann Knowles
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Young Adult ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Community Sample ◽  
Minority Group ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Explanatory Models ◽  
Model Framework ◽  
Level Of Satisfaction

Hazaras form an Afghan ethnic minority group in Australia who arrived as refugees and through humanitarian resettlement schemes over the past three decades. This qualitative study explored psychological distress in a community sample of young adult Hazaras with a refugee background. The aim was to contribute to a more detailed understanding of their mental health, coping, and help-seeking in Australia. Eighteen Hazaras, nine males and nine females aged 18–30 years ( M  =  22.39, SD  =  3.35), in Perth, Melbourne, or Sydney, who had been living in Australia on average 7.17 years (range 1 to 16 years), participated in a semi-structured interview based on Kleinman's explanatory model framework. Participants described mental and physical health as interconnected and their explanatory models for psychological distress focused on their current difficult life experiences as refugees. Findings indicated noteworthy gender differences, with young women reporting less distress associated with adaptation than did young men. Some young people used positive coping strategies in the community, while others engaged with a variety of mental health services. Level of satisfaction with these services varied considerably, with satisfaction highest for services provided by multicultural centers. Generally, respondents were not focused on their past traumas, but more interested in planning for their futures in Australia. Key implications for culturally appropriate training and specialized interventions for use with young adult Hazaras from refugee backgrounds are discussed.

scholarly journals Dua Ti Dawa Ti: understanding psychological distress in the ten districts of the Kashmir Valley and community mental health service needs

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tambri Housen ◽  
Shabnum Ara ◽  
Akmal Shah ◽  
Showkat Shah ◽  
Annick Lenglet ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Mental Health Service ◽  
Health Service ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Political Conflict ◽  
Service Needs ◽  
Community Mental Health Service ◽  
Kashmir Valley

Abstract Background An extensive body of research exists looking at the level of psychological distress in populations affected by political conflict. Recommended response to psychological distress in humanitarian crises is still based on frameworks for interventions developed in western/European contexts including psychological first aid, counselling and group therapy. While there is growing, but limited, evidence that culturally modified interventions can lead to reduction in symptoms of psychological distress in conflict affected populations, there is a need to understand mental health help-seeking behaviour and mental health service needs from the perspective of affected communities. Methods This study employed a qualitative exploratory research design based on principles of grounded theory. A combination of convenience and snowball sampling was used to recruit 186 adults from the general population to 20 focus group discussions; 95 men, median age 40 years, interquartile range (IQR): 27–48 years and 91 women, median age 40 years IQR: 32–50 years. Trained Kashmiri facilitators used a semi-structured interview guide to ascertain community perceptions on mental illness, help-seeking and service needs from the perspective of communities in the Kashmir Valley. Content analysis of transcripts resulted in the identification of seven overarching themes. Results Common locally recognized symptoms of psychological distress were synonymous with symptoms listed in the Hopkins Symptoms Checklist (HSCL-25) and the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire (HTQ). Protracted political insecurity was highlighted as a major perceived cause of psychological distress in communities. Mental health help-seeking included traditional/spiritual healers in combination with practitioners of western medicine, with access highlighted as the main barrier. Divergent views were expressed on the effectiveness of treatment received. Participants’ expressed the need for investment in mental health literacy to improve the community’s capacity to recognize and support those suffering from psychological distress. Conclusions Our findings demonstrate the universality of symptoms of psychological distress whilst simultaneously highlighting the importance of recognizing the cultural, spiritual and contextual framework within which psychological distress is understood and manifest. Co-constructed models of community based mental health services are needed.

scholarly journals Help-Seeking Stigma and Mental Health Treatment Seeking Among Young Adult Veterans

2015 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 230-239 ◽  
Author(s):  
Magdalena Kulesza ◽  
Eric R. Pedersen ◽  
Patrick W. Corrigan ◽  
Grant N. Marshall
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Young Adult ◽  
Mental Health Treatment ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Treatment Seeking ◽  
Health Treatment

scholarly journals Should Psychological Distress Screening in the Community Account for Self-Perceived Health Status?

2009 ◽  
Vol 54 (8) ◽  
pp. 526-533 ◽  
Author(s):  
Norbert Schmitz ◽  
Alain Lesage ◽  
JianLi Wang
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Health Status ◽  
Sensitivity And Specificity ◽  
Community Sample ◽  
Strong Association ◽  
Perceived Health ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Perceived Health Status ◽  
Screening Performance

Objective: Psychological distress questionnaires are often used as screening instruments for mental disorders in clinical and epidemiologic settings. Poor physical health may affect the screening properties of a questionnaire. We evaluate the effect of self-perceived health status on the screening performance of the Kessler K10 and K6 scales in a community sample. Methods: We used data from the Canadian Community Health Survey: Mental Health and Well-Being (CCHS 1.2). Psychological distress was measured by the 6–item (K6) and the 10–item (K10) Kessler instrument. Depression and anxiety disorders were assessed using the World Mental Health Composite International Diagnostic Interview (1–month estimates). Optimal cut-off points regarding health status were determined by finding the K6 and K10 values that allowed for the best balance between sensitivity and specificity. Stratum-specific likelihood ratios (SSLRs) were computed to define strata with discriminating power. Results: There was a strong association between the screening performance of the K6 and K10 scales and self-perceived health status: for the K10 scale, a cut-off point of 5/6 yielded the best balance between sensitivity and specificity for subjects with excellent or very good health status, while a cut-off point of 14/15 yielded the best balance between sensitivity and specificity for subjects with poor health status. Conclusions: The combination of the K6 and K10 scales, with a self-rated health status item, may improve screening properties of the 2 scales.

scholarly journals 204 - Psychological distress and support needs of community residing older adults in urban India – An exploratory study

2021 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. 8-9
Author(s):  
Jayashree Dasgupta ◽  
Meenakshi Chopra
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Support Needs ◽  
Urban India ◽  
And Coping

Background:COVID pandemic in India, lockdowns and an unprepared health system has affected wellbeing of older adults. Low public awareness about mental health issues and stigma also contribute to low help seeking. Exploring impact of COVID on mental health of older adults and understanding support needs is essential.Research Objective:To examine mental wellbeing and coping strategies used by urban community residing older adults during the pandemic in India.Method:As part of an ongoing community engagement initiative with older adults and their families, an online survey was conducted during the first wave of the pandemic in April/May 2020. Sociodemographic details and information on coping strategies were gathered. The five-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) was used to screen for psychological distress and data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Respondents were contacted again in May 2021 during the second COVID wave for a telephonic interview to understand current levels of distress and coping strategies. Consent was taken for audio recording and interviews were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis.Preliminary results of the ongoing study:Respondents (N=54) aged between 40-86 years (Mn = 60; SD = 18.9). Majority were male (61%), retired or homemakers (57%) and widowed/unmarried (52%). Of the sample 70% had one or more pre-existing medical conditions. A score of ≥ 2 on GHQ in 66% respondents indicates psychological distress. Stressors included health and well-being of family (62%), difficulty managing household work (42%) and increase in family conflicts (17%). Although 72% discussed their worries with family/friends, only 25% considered speaking with a mental health professional indicating low help seeking. Of respondents contacted again, 40% citied ill health or being busy as reasons for refusal to participate. Of those who agreed, 33% reported psychological distress. In-depth interviews, showed use of online mental wellness sessions and yoga/meditation to be beneficial coping strategies. Need for more online support groups was also highlighted.Conclusion:Psychological distress is present amongst community residing older adults in urban India. A change in attitude towards tele mental health must be leveraged to provide support for adults experiencing psychological distress.

With A Little Help From My Friends: A Mixed Methods Study Of Psychological Distress And Help-Seeking Preferences Of Chinese International Students At Victoria University Of Wellington

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Kelly Atherton
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
International Students ◽  
Support Services ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Chinese Students ◽  
Chinese International Students ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Free Text

<p>Chinese international students have become an increasingly significant presence on tertiary campuses worldwide, with over 928,000 enrolled globally in higher education in 2017. The mental health of tertiary students has been recognised as a significant public health concern and the unique challenges faced by Chinese international students place them at higher risk of mental distress than domestic or other international students. However, there is a scarcity of literature focussing on the mental health of Chinese international students both internationally and in a New Zealand context. This study was undertaken to gather preliminary data on the existence and prevalence of psychological distress among Chinese international students at Victoria University of Wellington. It also investigated the help-seeking preferences of Chinese international students, their engagement with counselling services or barriers preventing engagement with counselling support, and their knowledge and use of additional university support services. Participants’ views on managing stress and their advice for newly arrived Chinese students were also explored. A mixed methods approach was utilised to gather both quantitative and qualitative data via an online survey, utilising the Kessler-10 to measure psychological distress in conjunction with a variety of categorical and free-text response questions to gather other information. The survey was sent to all Chinese international students at Victoria University of Wellington in 2017. A total of 205 Chinese international students responded to the survey, from 836 enrolled students (response rate 24.5%). Results indicate that the majority of the Chinese international student population at Victoria suffer from high levels of psychological distress (K10=23.33, SD=6.97). These results are comparable with studies of Chinese students who study abroad, or in their home country. Consistent with international research, participants preferred to use informal sources of support, most notably their parents and friends when stressed. They rated academic staff and student services as the supports they would be least likely to turn to when stressed. Despite the high levels of psychological distress reported, very few participants had sought formal mental health support, with only 12.3% of the sample accessing Student Counselling while studying at Victoria. Cultural and practical barriers impacted their decision to utilise the service and they provided recommendations to make the service better known amongst the student group to improve uptake. Participants’ advice to new Chinese students included getting involved, developing friendships with fellow students, improving English proficiency, and asking for help when needed. The findings from this study support the growing body of literature that Chinese international tertiary students are in need of additional culturally appropriate interventions throughout their university journey to improve their wellbeing, their awareness and use of support services, and to aid their integration to both their host country and education environment.</p>

Psychopharmacology and refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants

2021 ◽  
pp. 483-492
Author(s):  
David C. Henderson
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Explanatory Models ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Therapeutic Alliances ◽  
Migrant Populations ◽  
Common Mental Health Problems ◽  
Genetic And Environmental Factors

Refugee, asylum seeker, and migrant populations may have experienced many adverse life events during time in their country and during the time of migration. As a result, many will experience common mental health problems, including anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and depression. This chapter reviews the genetic and environmental factors that impact pharmacological interventions for the common mental health problems of these groups. Cultural and explanatory models may play a role in help-seeking, as well as therapeutic alliances and adherence. Cultures may carry different explanations for the use of medication. Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetic properties will vary across cultures. These will be affected by dietary factors, as well as genetic and biological factors. Recommendations are also included regarding the safe and effective approaches for treating these groups of patients with psychotropic medications.

scholarly journals Long-term mental health of Vietnamese refugees in the aftermath of trauma

2010 ◽  
Vol 196 (2) ◽  
pp. 122-125 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aina Basilier Vaage ◽  
Per Hove Thomsen ◽  
Derrick Silove ◽  
Tore Wentzel-Larsen ◽  
Thong Van Ta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Severity Index ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Global Severity Index ◽  
Original Cohort ◽  
Vietnamese Refugees ◽  
Norwegian Population

BackgroundThere is no long-term prospective study (> 20 years) of the mental health of any refugee group.AimsTo investigate the long-term course and predictors of psychological distress among Vietnamese refugees in Norway.MethodEighty Vietnamese refugees, 57% of the original cohort previously interviewed in 1982 (T1) and 1985 (T2), completed a self-report questionnaire prior to a semi-structured interview. Mental health was measured using the Symptom Checklist–90–Revised (SCL–90–R).ResultsThe SCL–90–R mean Global Severity Index (GSI) decreased significantly fromT1toT3(2005–6), but there was no significant change in the percentage reaching threshold scores (GSI =1.00). Trauma-related mental disorder on arrival and the trajectory of symptoms over the first 3 years of resettlement predicted mental health after 23 years.ConclusionsAlthough the self-reported psychological distress decreased significantly over time, a substantial higher proportion of the refugee group still remained reaching threshold scores after 23 years of resettlement compared with the Norwegian population. The data suggest that refugees reaching threshold scores on measures such as the SCL–90–R soon after arrival warrant comprehensive clinical assessment.

What to do about depression? Help-seeking and treatment recommendations of the public

2011 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 163-169 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Holzinger ◽  
H. Matschinger ◽  
M.C. Angermeyer
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Antidepressant Medication ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
First Century ◽  
The Public ◽  
Treatment Of Depression

Aims.Several population studies on beliefs about depression carried out in western countries during the 1990s have shown that the public clearly favors psychotherapy over antidepressant medication. The present study examines whether this phenomenon still exists at the end of the first decade of the twenty-first century.Materials and Methods.In 2009, a telephone survey was conducted among the population of Vienna aged 16 years and older (n = 1205). A fully structured interview was administered which began with the presentation of a vignette depicting a case of depression fulfilling the diagnostic criteria of DSM-IV for a moderate depressive episode.Results.Psychotherapists were most frequently endorsed as source of professional help. Antidepressant medication still was more frequently advised against than recommended. Respondents familiar with the treatment of depression tended to be more ready to recommend to seek help from mental health professionals and to endorse various treatment options, particularly medication.Conclusion.At the end of the first decade of this century, there still exists a large gap between the public's beliefs and what mental health professionals consider appropriate for the treatment of depression. Therefore, further effort to improve the public's mental health literacy seems necessary.

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