Mental Health – The Hidden Toll of Past Trauma and Living in Limbo

Two weeks ago, we shared the story of Yasmin, this year’s focus of our Winter Appeal. The Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) stepped in to support Yasmin with essentials like food and emergency housing. But it was meeting the nurses at our Health Clinic that proved to be a turning point for Yasmin. A doctor herself, Yasmin was dealing with multiple mental health issues, impacted by trauma and prolonged uncertainty under the harsh and cruel Federal Government policies, and she was referred to a counsellor. 

Today we bring you the other side of this story – hear directly from Brianna, a Community Health Nurse and the Mental Health Services Lead at ASRC, on how your care is passed on, why she does this work and why your compassion is needed, now more than ever.

Q. What is the demand at the ASRC like for mental health services?

We’ve seen a significant increase in demand at the ASRC. Many of the people we’re supporting have been living in Australia for over a decade — 12, 13, even 14 years — often without work rights, Medicare, or the ability to reunite with their families. Living in prolonged uncertainty takes a huge toll on people’s mental health and wellbeing. It’s not a sustainable way to live, which is why the support we provide is so critical.

Q. Why are mental health challenges so much harder for people seeking asylum?

Anyone who has experienced mental illness knows it can make everyday activities, like working or studying, much more challenging. It can lead to feelings of isolation and have an impact on overall health and wellbeing. For people seeking asylum, these challenges are even greater. Without the same financial safety nets that most other people living in Australia can access, and often without the support of family nearby, it can be harder to find the help they need. Accessing healthcare services like GPs or mental health support can also be difficult due to cost, unfamiliarity with the system, or cultural stigma. That’s why providing accessible, culturally sensitive support is so important.

Q. Why should donors support the ASRC?

By donating, you’re giving people seeking asylum the chance to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope. Your support helps provide vital services that keep people safe, connected and supported during incredibly challenging times.  The ASRC receives no government funding, it’s only because of compassionate people like you that we’re able to keep our doors open and continue this critical work.

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ASRCs Mental Health Team offers people seeking asylum mental state examinations, suicide risk assessments, treatmeant recommendations, referrals for psychiatry and psychology, welfare checks, and liasing with GPs and crissis assessment and support services.

Working together with Yasmin in a trauma informed, strength-based approach, ASRC helped ensure that she now has stable housing, food security and ongoing health care. With the help of our Employment Team, Yasmin found her first jobs in Australia  – first at a cafe and now working as a cleaner. But Yasmin’s goals go further: “One day, when my mental health is strong enough, I hope to return to my profession and practise as a doctor again. I know I need to be ready, because looking after others is a responsibility I take very seriously.”

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Listen to Brianna talking about how your support makes it possible for the ASRC Health Program to support refugees and people seeking asylum: