An Occupational Perspective of Migrant Mental Health: Indian Women's Adjustment to Living in New Zealand

Abstract

It is widely recognised that immigration may be more distressing than anticipated, disrupting occupations and threatening health and wellbeing. In New Zealand, increasing numbers of new immigrants are reported to be accessing mental health services. This article reports the findings of a small-scale qualitative study into the things that Indian women, who have recently immigrated to New Zealand, do in their everyday lives as they endeavour to settle into New Zealand society. The article describes a pattern of engagement in occupations that unfolds as the women learn about their new environment, the resources available to them and how things are done in New Zealand. Oh God, where did I come? describes how being in an unfamiliar environment initially compels the women to do familiar activities that boost their confidence and support wellbeing. The second pattern, Being in the change, sees the women getting to know their environment and engaging in both new and familiar activities. A New Zealander with an Indian soul finds the women doing more activities that challenge their abilities and knowledge of New Zealand culture. It is argued that occupational therapists, with their knowledge of the person-environment-occupation interplay, are well placed to support immigrant health by facilitating occupational adjustment.