Perceptions Toward Mental Illness and Seeking Psychological Help among Bhutanese Refugees Resettled in the U.S

Issues Ment Health Nurs. 2020 Mar;41(3):243-250. doi: 10.1080/01612840.2019.1646362. Epub 2019 Oct 10.

Abstract

This study examined perceptions toward mental health and seeking psychological care among Bhutanese refugees in a large Midwestern U.S. city. Bhutanese adults (n = 201) completed a community health needs assessment. Survey questions addressed beliefs toward mental health and seeking psychological care. Perceptions toward mental illness and receiving psychological help were generally negative among participants. Over 71% believed others would look unfavorably on a person who sought out a counselor. Participants who had less than a high school education, were 35 years and older, and lived in refugee camps for more than 20 years had significantly greater negative beliefs toward mental illness. Over one-third (34.8%) of participants reported access to counseling services as being somewhat of a problem or a serious problem. These findings may inform future research and interventions aimed at improving mental health among Bhutanese refugees.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Bhutan / ethnology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mental Disorders / ethnology*
  • Mental Disorders / psychology*
  • Mental Disorders / therapy
  • Mental Health Services*
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care / ethnology*
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care / psychology
  • Refugees / psychology*
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • United States
  • Young Adult