Family Therapy for Immigrant Mental Health Challenges: How Can It Help?
Whether seeking refuge from conflicts or violence or trying to provide a better life for their family, immigrants move to many countries all over the world for a number or reasons. In 2022, there were over 45 million foreign-born individuals in the United States. Many immigrants experience extreme stress and traumas that can leave them vulnerable to mental and physical health problems.
Unique challenges faced by immigrants when it comes to mental health
Despite the opportunities some people find when moving to another country, some people are not always welcoming to immigrant families. Also, many immigrants find themselves without social safety nets, such as health care or social housing. The stress of trying to succeed financially without these resources can be overwhelming.
In addition, the children of immigrants often experience the additional stress of functioning as interpreters for their older family members, as well as working under the pressure of parents to succeed academically so that they can help their family. They are often forced to serve in support roles for their other family members, which can contribute to various mental health problems.
Challenges may also differ depending on the financial status and ethnicity of the first-generation immigrant household. People of color may experience not only cultural barriers and social inequality but also the additional trauma of racism, and this can lead to higher rates of depression and other mental disorders.
Additionally, research shows that approximately 18% of immigrants did not have health insurance in 2022, which can make it difficult for them to get the services they need.
Signs and symptoms of PTSD and other common mental health problems found in the immigrant community
Many immigrants leave their countries of origin due to political upheaval, violence, unrest, and other traumatic events. Some are direct victims of displacement due to conflict or natural disasters. This kind of severe, ongoing trauma can lead to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or complex PTSD. On top of the original trauma, life in the United States can involve communication barriers and fear of the government, in the case of those who are undocumented.
Symptoms of PTSD may include:
- An increased fight-or-flight response
- Avoidance of specific triggers related to trauma (loud noises, certain areas, things that remind a person of traumatic moments)
- Nightmares
- Flashbacks
- Anxiety
In addition to potential PTSD, trauma related to immigration can also lead to depression or anxiety, especially for the children of immigrants, who may also be taking on a caregiver role.
Symptoms of anxiety may include:
- Rapid heartbeat
- Shallow breathing or shortness of breath
- Trembling
- Body aches and pains
- Gastrointestinal problems (diarrhea, heartburn, nausea)
Symptoms of depression may include:
- A loss of interest in activities
- A persistent feeling of sadness
- Irritability
- Feelings of hopelessness
Unresolved stress and trauma may not only negatively affect mental health but also lead to physical health challenges over time. Mental health treatment offers evidence-based therapies that can improve symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
Family therapy for immigrant mental health
Not only can family therapy for immigrant mental health problems address individual challenges like mental health conditions, but it can also foster healthier relationships, teach communication skills, offer parenting interventions, and help heal old traumas. However, there can be barriers to mental health care for many members of the immigrant community.
Barriers to mental health services for immigrant populations
Lack of health insurance. Many immigrants do not have health insurance, and immigration status can impact a family’s ability to receive government benefits like Medicaid. Undocumented immigrants may also be wary of seeking coverage out of fear, which can exacerbate stress.
Stigma or cultural barriers. In some cultures, Western medicine may be viewed with distrust, and mental health care may be especially stigmatized. Some parents may hold strong convictions that do not allow them to seek help, while their children may feel that their mental health needs are trivial because their parents have been through worse circumstances.
Lack of diversity in mental health care. The field of psychology retains a lack of diversity, with around 83% of practitioners being white individuals. Many immigrants may feel that a white American raised in the United States may not have an understanding of the immigrant experience and would be unable to fully grasp their needs.
Support options for immigrant families
Some solutions may include looking for community clinics that work with specific populations, such as individuals from Hispanic communities. Many organizations may offer sliding scale payments to make care more affordable for families. An online search in your area may offer some options.
Online therapy may also be helpful in finding culturally relevant support. With an online therapy platform like BetterHelp, you can be matched from a number of professionals who may not otherwise be available in your area, including therapists who specialize in immigration trauma or those who understand your language and/or culture. Also, because online therapists typically do not have to handle the overhead cost of maintaining an office, people often find their prices more affordable than those of in-person therapy.
Online therapy has been shown to be as effective as in-person therapy. Numerous studies have demonstrated that online therapy can be effective for anxiety and depression, which can be common among immigrants—not just those who migrated to escape violence but also those who migrated for work purposes. Regardless of the reason for moving, many immigrants experience times when they miss their culture and loved ones in their home country.
Benefits of mental health services for immigrant populations
Parenting intervention strategies that stress positive involvement. Family-based interventions in therapy can foster positive parent-child relationships. It can be difficult to manage financial survival, navigate cultural barriers, and prioritize caring for the mental health of yourself and your children. Children’s outcomes can be better when they are given resources to address stress and learn conflict resolution skills.
Therapy can stop the cycle of generational trauma. Family interventions may also be effective in breaking the cycle of generational trauma. When unaddressed, traumatic events can not only affect those who experience them, but also their children and their children’s children. Family therapy may help heal this trauma, removing a major risk factor for mental health challenges for the next generation.
Takeaway
While there are often significant barriers to mental health care for immigrant populations, there are ways to address many of the disparities, traumas, and pressures of coming to a country that often feels hostile and difficult to navigate. Family therapy may help immigrant families address these challenges. Those who cannot attend family therapy can still seek help with individual therapy, whether in person or online.
With the advent and spread of online therapy, it has become somewhat less difficult to find a therapist who specializes in working with your population or culture. With BetterHelp, you can be matched with a therapist who has experience working with immigrants and even someone who speaks a specific language. Take the first step toward getting support with immigrant mental health challenges and reach out to BetterHelp today.
- Previous Article
- Next Article