The Mental Health Implications of Living in the Shadows: The Lived Experience and Coping Strategies of Undocumented African Migrant Women

Abstract

In the United States, undocumented immigrants often encounter complex challenges that impact their emotional well-being. Existing literature has primarily focused on Latino immigrants. Thus, little is known about the mental health needs of undocumented African immigrant women. To address this gap, we examined the stressors, mental health concerns and coping strategies of undocumented African migrant women in the United States. This qualitative study used a postcolonial feminist framework approach. Twenty-four undocumented African migrant women were interviewed, and data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings showed that the women dealt with complex stressors created by the sociopolitical environment. These stressors contributed to feelings of depression and anxiety which they coped with using social support and religion. The results uncover the need for culturally relevant tools for screening and addressing the mental health needs of undocumented women and increased awareness amongst healthcare providers on how social context and policies adversely impact the mental health of marginalized groups. Lastly, at a structural level, the need for policy and social change that fosters an inclusive and safe environment for undocumented persons.

Effectiveness of a Psychosocial Therapy with SMS in Immigrant Women with Different Degrees of Depression

“…They may face discrimination, experience difficulties with economic integration, and deal with the stresses of migration and resettlement. Ruzzante et al (2009), in research carried out in Spain, compared the levels of daily stress and depression in groups of immigrant and non-immigrant women and observed a higher prevalence in immigrant women; Davison et al (2019) observed the highest prevalence of depression in immigrant women in Canada and Olukotun et al (2019) and Santillanes-Allende (2017) in the United States for groups of African migrant women and Mexican migrant women.…”

Blended Therapies and Mobile Phones for Improving the Health of Female Victims of Gender Violence

“…The obtained results show that text messages are effective in reducing anxiety and depression in female victims of gender violence, increase adherence to medication, and are positively valued by these women. Therefore, the obtained results provide validation for cases of gender violence and reinforce the conclusions of previous research carried out with immigrants, the long-term unemployed, people with addictions, alcoholism, etc., [ 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 20 ].…”

“…In psychology-based approaches, experimental studies were conducted on online mental health therapies using text messages to the mobile phones of patients suffering from depression, anxiety, alcoholism, addictions, etc., combining such online therapies with traditional face-to-face care [ 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 ]. There is a general agreement that text messages reinforce the tasks and the advice received from face-to-face psychotherapies, promoting self-awareness and patient progress.…”

Relational Spirituality and Transgenerational Obligations: The Role of Family in Lay Explanatory Models of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder in Male Cameroonian Asylum Seekers and Undocumented Migrants in Europe

“…Our results suggest that the Western psychiatric perspective on post-traumatic stress and the individual patient-centered approach employed by Western-trained psychotherapists might conflict with traditional, religious, and spiritual practices in the context of family conceptualizations of Cameroonian forced migrants with a precarious residency status in Europe. Accordingly, an increased awareness among healthcare providers of how family context and the intersection with religious and spiritual belief systems impact the mental health of migrants is needed (26). Clinicians might respectfully inquire about the meaning and importance of religion and spiritual beliefs and practices in the individual and family life, explore spiritual and family sources of distress, and identify spiritual and religious resources (52).…”