Immigrant Mental Health and Healthcare Access: An In-Depth Analysis of the Lived Experiences of Immigrants Within a Local and Global Context

Abstract

With the rise of mental health crises in concurrence with the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as global catastrophes that people around the world have experienced as a result of war, climate change, and a variety of other occurrences, the subject of immigrant and refugee mental health is more pertinent than ever. This capstone project seeks to explore the lived experiences of refugees and immigrants and analyze the relationship between being a member of these demographics and experiencing negative mental health outcomes. The literature review present in this writing indicates that while there are higher rates of psychopathology among refugees and immigrants, and even more so for asylum seekers, the specific type is somewhat dependent on demographic origin. The conclusion from the combined research from the literature review and the own personal research indicates that psychopathology is indiscriminate of national origin. Likewise, immigrants and refugees are at an increased risk for developing conditions such as depression and anxiety disorders. Regardless, it is important that careful analysis of refugee and immigrant mental health continues, so as to provide better mental healthcare for these populations in their new host countries. This capstone also presents a unique lens into refugee and immigrant narratives, as research participants who were present in this study shared their experiences anonymously.