The Mental Health Diaspora: Global Perspectives on Well-being and Access

Differences in Country of Origin of Immigrant Families

Imagine a baby girl born to a first-generation Caucasian immigrant family in the vibrant capital of the United States, Washington, D.C. Her new parents cradle their rosy, healthy baby, savoring a moment of pure bliss. Meanwhile, thousands of miles away, an Iranian family of four is desperately trying to escape a war-torn region, anxiously awaiting the next flight to the United States in search of safety, better health, education for their two boys, and a brighter future.

Which family do you think faces more challenges regarding their mental health? Most might instinctively assume that the Iranian family, grappling with the trauma of fleeing danger and the heavy responsibilities of their decision, would experience greater mental health struggles. However, research indicates that generational differences in mental health are particularly pronounced among families at the lower end of the socioeconomic spectrum.

Moreover, the authors of the study argue that when the country of origin significantly differs from the destination, the mental health of immigrant children can suffer. This is in stark contrast to those whose backgrounds align more closely with their new environment. Additional factors contributing to poorer mental health among these children include family conflict and limited access to educational resources. These challenges—family strife and inadequate educational opportunities—have been shown to adversely affect the mental health of immigrant children from diverse backgrounds.

Mental Health of International Adoptees versus That of Domestic Adoptees

Adoption policies often sit neglected on the desks of agency regulators, and meetings between stakeholders rarely reflect the urgency of the situation. As potential parents of international and domestic adoptees wait anxiously for updates, many feel they lack the necessary information to navigate the process. This disconnect creates a challenging environment for tens of thousands of adoptees, both international and domestic.

Research indicates that while most international adoptees are well-adjusted, they are referred to mental health services more frequently than their non-adopted domestic counterparts. Each year, approximately 40,000 children move across more than 100 countries as part of diaspora trends. Before adoption, many international adoptees face significant hardships, including inadequate medical care, malnutrition, and neglect or abuse in orphanages. These experiences can severely impact their mental health.

Socio-economic status and Mental Health Outcomes

The stark contrast between earning $200,000 a year and just $20,000 a year reveals significant differences in lifestyle, living conditions, family dynamics, employment opportunities, and more. It’s unrealistic to think this economic divide doesn’t impact mental health in profoundly different ways. Picture a family of five living on $20,000 a year, working tirelessly to make ends meet, compared to a single woman in her twenties earning $200,000 and planning to start her own business without the financial worries that weigh down the lower-income family. This scenario clearly illustrates how socio-economic status influences mental health.

Research supports this disparity, showing that individuals in high-income countries with a higher socio-economic status tend to experience more favorable outcomes from consumer-led mental health services, such as better employment prospects and living situations. In contrast, those seeking these services often struggle with mental health issues and typically come from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

Ultimately, factors like immigration, diaspora experiences, and socio-economic status contribute to the differences in mental health across populations. By acknowledging these disparities, we can begin to formulate a collective plan to reduce stigma and take meaningful action towards improving mental health on a global scale.

Sources

1. Montazer, Shirin and Wheaton, Blair. The Impact of Generation and Country of Origin on the Mental Health of Children of Immigrants. Journal of Social Health and Behavior 52(1): 23-42.

2. Juffer, Femmie and Ijzendoorn, Marinus. Behavior Problems and Mental Health Referrals of International Adoptees. JAMA, May 25, 2005 293(20): 2501-2515.

3. Doughty, Carolyn and Tse, Samson. Can Consumer-Led Mental Health Services be Equally Effective? An Integrative Review of CLMH Services in High-Income Countries. Community Ment Health J (2011) 47: 252-266.