Community-led identification of mental health support, challenges, and needs among Ethiopian immigrants to the U.S.: opportunities for partnership with faith communities

Abstract

ABSTRACT The mental health challenges and service needs of immigrant populations within the US remain under-addressed. This study presents landscape analysis results from a community-led mental health project with the Atlanta-area Ethiopian immigrant community. The landscape analysis included focus group discussions with community stakeholders and surveys. Key themes that emerged included: (1) indicators of mental health challenges; (2) perceptions of causes of mental health challenges; (3) responses to mental health challenges; (4) barriers to treatment; and (5) community mental health resources. Study findings revealed patterns of mental health concerns and experiences of racism in the Ethiopian immigrant community. Faith-based beliefs and practices emerged across all key themes. Stigma surrounding mental illness is a barrier to mental health care-seeking. This was differentiated from stress, which was more freely discussed among family and friends. Study results highlight religious communities and leaders as key sources of support and critical to community-led mental health programming.