Mental Health

Mental health and migration experience

Migrating to and settling in a new country can present challenges, including:

  • learning a new language
  • adapting to a different culture
  • learning key services like public transport, education and healthcare
  • finding a job or seeking financial support
  • connecting with friends, family and community.

Uncertainty on your migration status brings its own risk of developing a mental illness. Isolation, waiting for a visa application to be processed, going to interviews, and uncertainty regarding the outcome of your application can be very stressful for people in this situation and those around them. Some people become consumed by their thoughts on what the future holds for them.

People might have left their countries of origin due to reasons beyond their control such as war, famine, and prosecution. This makes the pre-migration process very stressful and traumatic, which may impact their mental health. Some men may feel ashamed or guilty because they are now in a safe country whereas their family or loved ones remain in uncertain and unsafe conditions overseas, making the separation process even more painful.

If you have been through a similar experience, you are more likely to experience mental health problems and illnesses like depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, troubled sleep patterns and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). These are natural responses to a distressing situation that you have encountered. However, it is important to seek help if you experience suicidal thoughts or your depressed moods persist and are affecting you, interfering with your day-to-day activities as well as affecting those around you.

Whether you have just arrived in Australia or you have been here for many years, you can seek help for all mental health issues that you may have experienced in Australia or before your arrival.

There are many helplines that provide a confidential and safe space for you to talk and to access professional counselling. Some of these services are provided for free, while others have the option of bulk billing if you have Medicare card. If you need an interpreter, most services can arrange this. You can also ask your GP about these services or see this page on our website:

If you are experiencing a personal crisis or thinking about suicide, call Lifeline on 
13 11 14. It is a free and confidential telephone service that is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.