Mental health, mental health literacy and mental health promotion initiatives in refugee and other culturally and linguistically diverse populations

Resettled refugees and other minority groups have mental health inequalities, with higher reported levels of psychological distress but low uptake of mental health care. Evidence suggests that poor “mental health literacy” (MHL), namely, poor knowledge and understanding of the nature and treatment of mental health problems, is a major factor in low or inappropriate treatment seeking among individuals with mental health problems. Our group has conducted several studies of MHL and its association with help-seeking behaviors among resettled Iraqi and Afghan refugees in Australia. We have confirmed that help seeking is indeed uncommon among individuals in these communities, even among those with clinically significant levels of trauma-related psychopathology, and that key aspects of MHL, such as awareness and understanding of the nature and treatment of mental health problems, are a factor in this. Our findings indicate the need for innovative and culturally sensitive health promotion and early intervention programs that seek to bridge the gap between Western, biomedical models for mental health care and the knowledge and beliefs of resettled refugee populations and those who work with them. To date we have used these findings to inform the development and evaluation of mental health promotion program for refugee groups  and community leaders with the aim to promote early, appropriate help seeking where this is needed. Students will be involved in aspects of these programs from developing curriculum to assisting with ongoing evaluations.