Becoming ‘another brick in the wall’: A thematic analysis of Central and Eastern European immigrants’ experience of psychological distress and help-seeking

Abstract

Background and aimsA great number of Central and Eastern European immigrants have moved to the UK since 2004, and a better understanding of their help-seeking behaviour is needed. This study aimed to explore how the experience of immigration had impacted on the wellbeing of some Central and Eastern European immigrants, whether these immigrants had sought help for any psychological distress, and to explore the support needs of this particular population.MethodologyA qualitative design was employed. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with four male and twelve female immigrants from Central and Eastern Europe living in the UK. Interview transcripts were analysed using inductive thematic analysis.FindingsFour overarching themes were identified in the analysis: immigration experience; views and meanings of mental health; help-seeking experience and addressing immigrants’ emotional needs. Participants in the study reported having good mental health and the ability to deal with distress, but highlighted that a lack of English proficiency, low job attainment and experiences of prejudice and discrimination negatively affected their psychological health.DiscussionThe results offered a thorough description and understanding of some immigrants’ experiences, the meanings attributed to these experiences, and their needs concerning psychological health. Some possible implications for working with this minority group are discussed from a social justice perspective, including the recommendation to apply contextual approaches such as relational cultural theory.