New immigrant women’s mental health is an important issue as they navigate challenges such as adapting to an unfamiliar environment, daily life adjustments, language barriers, and unexpressed homesickness in Taiwan. Managing day-to-day life is already difficult, let alone focusing on self-development and career growth. The integration process can be daunting without support from family, friends, or relevant social services, increasing the risk of mental health issues. According to the WHO (2023) report, "Mental Health of refugees and migrants: risk and protective factors and access to care," the lack of mental health care services is a global issue, particularly severe among migrants and refugees, who are 40% less likely than locals to access these services.
Over the past two decades, research has explored mental health issues faced by new immigrant women. Studies indicate that emotional distress often arises due to difficulties adapting and communication barriers (Lin & Hsiao, 2009). Research by Lien et al. (2021) found that depression in Taiwanese immigrant women worsens with longer marriage durations. Furthermore, these women frequently struggle to navigate Taiwan’s complex healthcare system and may not know where to seek help (Deng, 2023). Some report discriminatory attitudes from medical professionals, including shortened consultation times and impatience (Deng, 2023; Zhang, 2021).
Despite programs designed to support new immigrants, the effectiveness of these mental health interventions remains limited. A systematic literature review by Luo et al. (2022) highlighted that most current interventions are group-based and show minimal results. This leaves new immigrant women, already facing multiple disadvantages and lacking social support, at high risk for mental health issues.
Addressing mental health among new immigrant women requires considering gender, ethnicity, social, cultural, and adaptation issues. The concept of intersectionality (Crenshaw, 1991) explains how structural, political, and cultural factors overlap, creating unique experiences of marginalization. For immigrant women, this intersectionality often includes gender, race, culture, migration status, and socio-economic factors. Understanding these multiple layers is crucial for developing effective support strategies that empower rather than marginalize them.
The author interviewed Chen Jiafen, a supervisor at the Hsinchu County New Immigrant Family Service Center, who shared practical insights on the mental health of new immigrants. Chen emphasized that mental health for new immigrants should not only focus on "external" services provided but should also consider empowering them to develop inner capabilities. Effective mental health strategies should be built into daily life. For instance, when a new immigrant encounters a problem, the response should not be a simple direct answer (Q1 -> A1), but rather an approach that leverages professional context, accumulated life experiences, and multifaceted service interventions. This continuous accompaniment helps them solve problems while understanding their mental state and living environment, fostering self-development and problem-solving skills. In mental health services, new immigrants can be empowered to become caregivers. For example, training interpreters with mental health knowledge allows them to provide psychological support in their native languages under professional supervision, enabling deeper understanding and connection with those they serve.
In conclusion, service providers must recognize the multiple intersecting identities of immigrant women and acknowledge their unique service needs. New immigrant women should not be seen as passive service recipients but should be empowered to develop self-reliance and mutual aid skills. Overcoming societal discrimination and fostering long-term mental health strategies for immigrant women involves recognizing and nurturing their active roles and capacities.
Authors:
Associate Professor Jing-Fen Chang, Department of Social Work, National Taipei University
Doctoral Candidate Ya-Ching Chang, Institute of Health and Welfare, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University
