Citation

Edwards J, Anderson KK, Stranges S. Int. J. Public Health 2019; 64(4): 477-478.

Affiliation

Department of Population Health, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Strassen, Luxembourg.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1007/s00038-018-1194-3

PMID

30631888

Abstract

The process of migration—including the reasons for migration, the migratory process, and post-migration resettlement—can cause extraordinary stress, which can influence mental well-being and rates of mental illness (Hollander 2013). In this editorial, we will discuss the challenges of addressing migrant mental health needs and highlight the shortcomings in the oversimplification of this issue.

There has been an increase in the global awareness of the public health relevance of mental disorders and poor mental well-being among migrant groups. This is highlighted by the current migrant crisis in Europe, where massive migrant influxes, many of whom are fleeing conflict ridden nations, are presenting with acute mental health care needs (Abbott 2016). These migrants and others with mental health needs pose numerous challenges for health care systems around the globe. Although barriers to accessing mental health services among migrant groups have decreased, there remain many gaps in mental health support (Close et al. 2016). Even among the most affluent nations, there remain challenges with mental health treatment for migrant groups, as cultural differences, language, discriminatory practices, health care coverage, and costs all influence help-seeking and health care utilization ...

Language: en