Exploring the mental health needs, concerns and experiences of young asylum seekers in the UK: a qualitative literature review

Young asylum seekers often experience traumatic events before arriving in their host country and are therefore vulnerable to developing serious mental health issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder. They also experience numerous barriers to accessing mental health support. This literature review explored the qualitative evidence on the mental health needs, concerns and experiences of young asylum seekers in the UK. Four main themes emerged from the analysis of the ten included studies: feelings of loss and insecurity; challenges integrating into the host culture; perceptions of mental health; and personalised and culturally appropriate mental health support. The article provides mental health nurses with an insight into the mental health needs, concerns and experiences of young asylum seekers. It also describes some of the ways in which nurses can provide mental health support to this vulnerable group, including by adopting trauma-informed and culturally sensitive approaches to care.