scholarly journals A Scoping Review of Literature About Mental Health and Well-Being Among Immigrant Communities in the United States

2020 ◽  
pp. 152483992094251
Author(s):  
Darlene Xiomara Rodriguez ◽  
Jessica Hill ◽  
Paul N. McDaniel
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
United States ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Health Needs ◽  
Immigrant Communities ◽  
Mental Health Needs ◽  
Health And Well Being

Immigration—both the experience of migrating and events after migration—can affect the mental health and well-being of immigrants and their communities. However, evidence suggests that immigrants in the United States do not access mental health services to the same extent as nonimmigrants. In particular, immigrant adolescents and young adults may have unique stressors related to their developmental stage, experiences in school and with peer groups, and shifting roles within family systems. This scoping review summarizes findings from published research studies and practitioner-focused gray literature about the mental health needs of immigrant communities in the United States. The review finds that specific mental health needs vary across factors like age, racial/ethnic group, immigration status, and place of residency. Findings also indicate that structural factors like immigration-related laws affect both access to mental health services and stressors in the overall environment for immigrants and their families. This review also explores models of community-level initiatives that utilize strengths-based approaches to promoting mental health and well-being among immigrant communities. Findings highlight the need for a better understanding of the mental health needs and current barriers to care among diverse immigrant populations, as immigration continues to play a major role in U.S. public policy and discourse. The COVID-19 pandemic taking place as this article goes to press in 2020 also raises questions regarding health equity and access for marginalized populations, including immigrants and their communities, and so these findings also indicate the need for further interdisciplinary research to assess intersections among the pandemic’s many impacts, including those related to mental health and well-being.

Delivering Psychological Services to Refugees Resettled in the United States

2019 ◽  
pp. 165-183
Author(s):  
Johanna E. Nilsson ◽  
Sally Stratmann ◽  
Aurora Molitoris ◽  
Marcella A. Beaumont ◽  
Jessica Horine
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
United States ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Mental Health Treatment ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
The United States ◽  
Psychological Services ◽  
Health Needs ◽  
Mental Health Needs ◽  
The Status

Approximately 25 million refugees have fled their homelands internationally, and about 3 million have been resettled in the United States. The mental health needs of a population that has fled oppression, violence, and instability are diverse. This chapter seeks to provide a holistic overview of these needs. The introduction covers what defines the status of a refugee, current resettlement policies, and pre- and post-migration experiences and concerns among refugees, including barriers to basic services. Effective mental health treatment options and areas of competence for mental health professionals working with these individuals are discussed, along with future considerations for best meeting the mental health needs of refugees.

scholarly journals Transgenerational Trauma and Mental Health Needs among Armenian Genocide Descendants

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (19) ◽  
pp. 10554
Author(s):  
Alissa Der Sarkissian ◽  
Jill D. Sharkey
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Needs ◽  
Armenian Genocide ◽  
Transgenerational Trauma ◽  
Cultural Narratives ◽  
Mental Health Needs ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Health And Well Being

The trauma of a genocide can be transmitted to subsequent generations though familial mental health, sociopolitical trauma, and cultural narratives, thereby impacting mental health and well-being. Understanding specific mechanisms that are unique to each ethnic group impacted by genocide illuminates cultural, sociopolitical, and individual factors related to the transmission. For the Armenian community, the unresolved historical loss of the Armenian Genocide of 1915, with the threat of acculturation for such a large diasporic population, a continued denial by the perpetrators, as well as subsequent generations’ refugee experiences, may further exasperate the impact of transgenerational trauma from the genocide. This literature review explores the mental health needs of Armenian youth in the current sociopolitical context and provides implications for how schools and communities may use this knowledge to inform supports that center Armenian community healing. Future directions for research are also discussed.

scholarly journals Voices: Exploring the Experiences of Non-Mental Health Professionals Working with Mexican Immigrants Affected by Deportation

2012 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 40-53 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Lopez ◽  
Ioana Boie
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
United States ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Mexican Immigrants ◽  
The United States ◽  
Health Needs ◽  
Mental Health Needs ◽  
Large Numbers ◽  
Insight Into

With large numbers of immigrants living in the United States and a recent increase in deportations, it is imperative that mental health professionals are aware of the implications involved in working with immigrants affected by deportation. The perspectives of non-mental health professionals working with immigrants are valuable in providing insight into the complexity of issues encountered when working with this population. The participants discussed perceptions, reactions, perceived mental health needs, and recommendations for working with Mexican immigrants.

scholarly journals An Analysis of the Impact of Sexual Orientation on Longitudinal Depression

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 900-900
Author(s):  
Anna Thompson ◽  
Britney Wardecker
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
United States ◽  
Sexual Orientation ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Repeated Measures Anova ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Health And Well Being ◽  
Over Time

Abstract Research suggests that mental health and well-being improve as we age, and this trend is dubbed “the paradox of aging” (Charles & Carstensen, 2010). However, little is known about whether this trend happens for individuals who may experience lifelong disadvantage, such as those who identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual. We used data from the Midlife in the United States Study (MIDUS) to examine lesbian/gay, bisexual, and heterosexual adults’ changes in depression from 1995 to 2014. Participants identified as lesbian/gay (n = 46), bisexual (n = 37), and heterosexual (n = 3030) and 45.1% identified as female. Participants’ ages ranged from 20-74 years (M = 45.61, SD = 11.41) in 1995 and 39-93 years (M = 63.64, SD = 11.35) in 2014. We analyzed our data using a repeated measures ANOVA and our results indicate that depression decreased on average from 1995 to 2014 for heterosexual [Wilk’s Lamda = .996, F (1, 3029) = 12.23, p < .001] and lesbian/gay adults [Wilk’s Lamda = .848, F (1, 45) = 8.08, p = .007]. However, bisexual adults did not experience this decrease in depression [Wilk’s Lamda = .990, F (1, 36) = 0.36, p = .550] and their depression remained relatively stable. Our results are consistent with previous studies that indicate bisexuals experience poorer mental health when compared to lesbian/gay and heterosexual adults (Bostwick, Hughes, & Everett, 2015). The current research highlights depression as a condition that may not decrease universally over time. We discuss implications for bisexuals’ health and well-being.

scholarly journals The Mental Health Implications of Living in the Shadows: The Lived Experience and Coping Strategies of Undocumented African Migrant Women

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. 127 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oluwatoyin Olukotun ◽  
Kaboni Gondwe ◽  
Lucy Mkandawire-Valhmu
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
United States ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
The United States ◽  
Health Needs ◽  
Structural Level ◽  
Migrant Women ◽  
Mental Health Needs ◽  
African Migrant ◽  
And Coping

In the United States, undocumented immigrants often encounter complex challenges that impact their emotional well-being. Existing literature has primarily focused on Latino immigrants. Thus, little is known about the mental health needs of undocumented African immigrant women. To address this gap, we examined the stressors, mental health concerns and coping strategies of undocumented African migrant women in the United States. This qualitative study used a postcolonial feminist framework approach. Twenty-four undocumented African migrant women were interviewed, and data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings showed that the women dealt with complex stressors created by the sociopolitical environment. These stressors contributed to feelings of depression and anxiety which they coped with using social support and religion. The results uncover the need for culturally relevant tools for screening and addressing the mental health needs of undocumented women and increased awareness amongst healthcare providers on how social context and policies adversely impact the mental health of marginalized groups. Lastly, at a structural level, the need for policy and social change that fosters an inclusive and safe environment for undocumented persons.

scholarly journals Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic in the United States: Online Survey (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer S Jewell ◽  
Charlotte V Farewell ◽  
Courtney Welton-Mitchell ◽  
Angela Lee-Winn ◽  
Jessica Walls ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
United States ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Demographic Variables ◽  
Mental Health Outcomes ◽  
Depressive Symptomology ◽  
Health And Well Being

BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has had numerous worldwide effects. In the United States, there have been 8.3 million cases and nearly 222,000 deaths as of October 21, 2020. Based on previous studies of mental health during outbreaks, the mental health of the population will be negatively affected in the aftermath of this pandemic. The long-term nature of this pandemic may lead to unforeseen mental health outcomes and/or unexpected relationships between demographic factors and mental health outcomes. OBJECTIVE This research focused on assessing the mental health status of adults in the United States during the early weeks of an unfolding pandemic. METHODS Data was collected from English-speaking adults from early April to early June 2020 using an online survey. The final convenience sample included 1083 US residents. The 71-item survey consisted of demographic questions, mental health and well-being measures, a coping mechanisms checklist, and questions about COVID-19–specific concerns. Hierarchical multivariable logistic regression was used to explore associations among demographic variables and mental health outcomes. Hierarchical linear regression was conducted to examine associations among demographic variables, COVID-19–specific concerns, and mental health and well-being outcomes. RESULTS Approximately 50% (536/1076) of the US sample was aged ≥45 years. Most of the sample was White (1013/1054, 96%), non-Hispanic (985/1058, 93%), and female (884/1073, 82%). Participants reported high rates of depression (295/1034, 29%), anxiety (342/1007, 34%), and stress (773/1058, 73%). Older individuals were less likely to report depressive symptomology (OR 0.78, <i>P</i>&lt;.001) and anxiety symptomology (OR 0.72, <i>P</i>&lt;.001); in addition, they had lower stress scores (–0.15 points, SE 0.01, <i>P</i>&lt;.001) and increased well-being scores (1.86 points, SE 0.22, <i>P</i>&lt;.001). Individuals who were no longer working due to COVID-19 were 2.25 times more likely to report symptoms of depression (<i>P</i>=.02), had a 0.51-point increase in stress (SE 0.17, <i>P</i>=.02), and a 3.9-point decrease in well-being scores (SE 1.49, <i>P</i>=.009) compared to individuals who were working remotely before and after COVID-19. Individuals who had partial or no insurance coverage were 2-3 times more likely to report depressive symptomology compared to individuals with full coverage (<i>P</i>=.02 and <i>P</i>=.01, respectively). Individuals who were on Medicare/Medicaid and individuals with no coverage were 1.97 and 4.48 times more likely to report moderate or severe anxiety, respectively (<i>P</i>=.03 and <i>P</i>=.01, respectively). Financial and food access concerns were significantly and positively related to depression, anxiety, and stress (all <i>P</i>&lt;.05), and significantly negatively related to well-being (both <i>P</i>&lt;.001). Economy, illness, and death concerns were significantly positively related to overall stress scores (all <i>P</i>&lt;.05). CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that many US residents are experiencing high stress, depressive, and anxiety symptomatology, especially those who are underinsured, uninsured, or unemployed. Longitudinal investigation of these variables is recommended. Health practitioners may provide opportunities to allay concerns or offer coping techniques to individuals in need of mental health care. These messages should be shared in person and through practice websites and social media.

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