Tensions along the path toward mental health literacy for new immigrant mothers: perspectives on mental health and mental illness

Abstract

This study explored how mothers approach their own mental health literacy and that of their teenage children. The research used focus groups and questions based on the messaging of a community-based mental health awareness program called ‘Talking about Mental Illness’ (TAMI) to investigate the nature of mental health perceptions and attitudes of new immigrant mothers and illustrate how the program’s messaging can contribute to or build upon their levels of mental health literacy. A qualitative thematic assessment of the knowledge and perceptions of the study participants, all recent immigrants to Canada from India, Bangladesh, Iran, and Romania within the last three years and mothers of high school students, was undertaken. The findings show that participants appreciate the importance of fostering mental health understanding and discussion with their children at the same time that they encounter obstacles to the advancement of their mental health literacy.

Keywords:

• Mental health literacy
• new immigrant
• mother–child communication
• focus groups
• mental health promotion