Impact of Covid-19 on the mental health needs of asylum seekers in Australia.
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.
['Mares|Sarah|S|0000-0002-4514-9111', 'Jenkins|Kym|K|', 'Lutton|Susan|S|', 'Newman Am|Louise|L|0000-0002-4630-6908']
D001007:Anxiety D001315:Australia D000086382:COVID-19 D006297:Health Services Accessibility D006806:Human Rights D006801:Humans D008603:Mental Health D058873:Pandemics D012036:Refugees D000086402:SARS-CoV-2
Covid-19 mental health asylum seekers refugees comorbidity