Service Provider Perspectives on the Well-Being and Mental Health of Karen With Refugee Backgrounds Resettled in Australia

Abstract

People with refugee backgrounds resettled in Western countries often experience high rates of psychological disorders and significant challenges to their mental health and well-being, even after resettlement. This qualitative, cross-sectional study examines (1) key issues that Karen with refugee background face in relation to mental health and well-being, from the perspective of service providers in the Australian context; and (2) key barriers and challenges service providers face in providing mental health and well-being services to the Karen community. Six service providers with experience working with the Karen community participated in semi-structured interviews. Key themes identified include concerns around high levels of mental health issues in the community, perceived maladaptive coping mechanisms and parentification of children. Perceived barriers to accessing services included difficulties with learning English, understanding Western mental health concepts and navigating Australian systems, as well as mental health stigma. Within support services, there was insufficient cultural understanding, a need for alternative treatments to counselling, overreliance on bicultural workers and insufficient service resources. The overarching theme, ‘being in survival mode’, highlights the many ongoing challenges individuals from Karen refugee backgrounds in Australia continue to face after resettlement.