Leo Sher & Alexander Vilens 
Immigration and Mental Health 
Stress, Psychiatric Disorders and Suicidal Behavior Among Immigrants and Refugees

Immigrants’ voyages to a new land have been among the most exciting and noble of human endeavors. It is the amazing courage to flee oppression, to leave behind everything that is familiar, and to chance the hostility of a completely alien culture in order to find freedom, opportunity, and a better life. Immigrants often face difficulty adjusting to their new home in a new country for many reasons, including coping with trauma experienced in their native country, overcoming cultural and language barriers, and encountering discrimination. This can lead to severe and long-lasting psychological and behavioral problems, including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and a high risk for suicide.