Sarah Mares1, Kym Jenkins2, Susan Lutton3, Louise Newman Am4. 1. School of Psychiatry, University of NSW, Annandale, NSW, Australia. 2. University of Melbourne, Monash University, Royal Australian New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; and Migrant and Refugee Health Partnership, Mental Health Australia. 3. Association for Services to Torture and Trauma Survivors, Perth, WA, Australia. 4. Building Early Attachment and Resilience Research Group, Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
Abstract
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.
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.