Impact of Covid-19 on the mental health needs of asylum seekers in Australia
- Resource Type
- Authors
- Susan Lutton; Kym Jenkins; Louise Newman Am; Sarah Mares
- Source
- Australasian Psychiatry. 29:417-419
- Subject
- medicine.medical_specialty
2019-20 coronavirus outbreak
Human Rights
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Refugee
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)
Anxiety
Health Services Accessibility
03 medical and health sciences
0302 clinical medicine
medicine
Humans
030212 general & internal medicine
Psychiatry
Pandemics
Refugees
SARS-CoV-2
Australia
COVID-19
medicine.disease
Mental health
Comorbidity
030227 psychiatry
Psychiatry and Mental health
Mental Health
Psychology
- Language
- ISSN
- 1440-1665
1039-8562
Objective: This paper highlights the significant mental health vulnerabilities of people who have sought asylum in Australia and their additional adversities as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Conclusions: Australia’s policies in relation to asylum seekers result in multiple human rights violations and add significantly to mental health vulnerabilities. Despite a majority being identified as refugees, people spend years in personal and administrative limbo and are denied resettlement in Australia. Social isolation and other restrictions associated with Covid-19 and recent reductions in welfare and housing support compound their difficulties. The clinical challenges in working with people impacted by these circumstances and the role of psychiatrists and the RANZCP in advocacy are identified.