Discussing Anxiety and Depression Among the Immigrant Caribbean Population

Abstract

Several psychiatric studies of black Caribbean immigrants to the United States have should low rates of mental health illness. Migrants range from refugees, asylum seekers, students and voluntary migrants. The study conducted investigated the psychological impact of pre migratory expectations and post migratory expectations among Caribbean immigrants. The Caribbean immigrants including Afro Caribbeans and West Indians were the study group chosen. First generation West Indian immigrants residing in urban Philadelphia participated in this study. To say the anxiety and depression among the Caribbean can be used to make a conclusion regarding all Black immigrants in the United States could be invalid.

Anxiety and Depression Among the Immigrant Caribbean Population

Human beings have always moving from place to place in search for a better life, better environment and the pursuit of happiness for a mighty long time. History has as hunters and gathers, nomads at times. The idea of moving is at times sad for the ones left behind and for those leaving as at times they are alone. No matter whether it is in the pursuit of happiness and the future is promising green grass anxiety can also kick in. Caribbeans and Africans have traveled to the United States for many generations now. Dating back to musician Bob Marley to todays former president Obamas father, many different reasons have brought them into this country.

The anxiety starts just as the idea of announcing to loved ones that you have deiced to move. This whole stage marks the pre-immigration stage. Physically making the move after obtaining the visa starts another part of this immigration process. At times this stage of the process can be done by just one member of the family or all the members usually when refugee status is involved. Adjusting to the new environment culturally and socially marks the post-migration phase.

Caribbeans like many Africans are not people who publicly acknowledge that depression and anxiety are issues that need to be addressed or even talked about. This does not mean that such issues do not exist. There have been studies that have looked at have expectations and outcomes contribute to the Caribbean Immigrants anxiety and depression (Mahlingam R., Murphy J. E., 2006)

Caribbeans have been migrating to the United States of America (USA) for many years for many different reasons. Currently the USA is experiencing a massive wave of immigration greater than the immigrant waves of the 19^thand early 20^thcenturies (Portes & Rumbaut, 2006).

Migration

The process whereby a person moves from one cultural setting to another for prolonged periods or permanently settling down is called migration (Bhangra, & Jones 2001). Various reasons contribute to migration, when it is by choice it known as voluntary migration. When its in pursuit of better economic opportunities, marriage, or to join family members who migrated previously it is involuntary. According to (J. D Kinzie 2006) refugees are migrants who flee their own country because of fears of violence or starvation. When it comes to Asylum often the seekers arrive illegally to seek refuge in the USA. There is an estimated 10,000,000 legal immigrants who have come to the USA in the decade ending in 2000 (Immigration and Naturalization Service data). In the United States of America asylum seekers cannot work legally until a work permit is issued by the immigration office which can take over one year. Voluntary immigrants generally work as doctors, engineers, or other professional who are always welcomed by receiving countries, (Louis, Duck, Terry, Schuller & Lalonde, 2007).

Culture

When a group of people hold shared meanings, understandings, or referents this is referred to as culture (Shore, 2002; Triandis, 1995). Caribbean culture is made up of a unique combination of Africans in the Diaspora and in the West Indians, and as immigrants to the United States and other colonizing countries (G. Dudley-Gran & W Etheridge 2005). Many different independent countries make up the Caribbeans. The region was colonized over the course of five centuries by Spanish, Dutch, French, and English forces, who imported first African slaves and later Asian laborers in the sugar, coffee and tobacco farms. (Palmie` S., Scarono F. 2013). The Indians and Asians who had been brought to work those plantations also integrated their own cultures into the Blacks (Africans) living on the island (GoPaul-McNicol 1993). Jamacians became internationally recognized with the Rastafarian movement began as a religious counteraction to the imperialistic outcomes of Eurocentric Christendom (GoPaul-McNicol 1993). Rastafarians believe of being close to God and the soil can serve as a source of resilience when tough times arise, according to (GoPaul-McNicol 1993). Haitians practice mainstream religions alongside the traditional beliefs from Vodoun, which emphasizes that modern medications & colonizes ways do not always provide the answers (Dudley, Grant 2003).

Acculturation

The ability to change after one comes into contact with culturally dissimilar people, groups and social influences is acculturation (Gibson, 2001). As immigrants acquire the values, practices, and beliefs of their new societies, they are expected to discard those from their cultural heritage. (Schwarts S. J 2010). Language as contended by commentators empirical studies shared as the cornerstone of national identity and the migrants who cannot speak the of the country or are not of the religion of where they living, are considered a threat to national unity. (Huntington, 2004, Barker et. 2001; Schildhraut, 2005).

As a major country that people migrate to, it is important to note that the USA was founded by English-Speaking Europeans, and with Great Britains dominant cultural practices and values (Portes & Rumbuat, 2001, 2006). Migration at a young age makes acquiring the receiving-cultures practices, values, and identifications easy and fluidly than when older. (C. Suarez-Orozco, 008). It is difficult for adult immigrants to willingly adapt to the practices, values and identifications of the new society (Schwartz, Pantin, Sullivan, Prado, & Szapocnzik, 2006).

Depression

Depression is a medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, think and act daily according to the American Psychiatric Association (APA) 2013. As a result of depression, one has feelings of sadness and loss of interest in activities that they generally enjoyed. This lack of interest affects ones ability to function at work and at home, per Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM -5) Fifth edition 2013. Migration can increase the risk factors for depression. As people move, they leave behind an environment they had learnt to survive in, and their loved ones which is a great loss. Loss and grief have their conceptual origin in psychoanalytic theory (Garza-Guerreo 1974; Grinberg and Grinberg1989) and Bowlbys (1980) attachment theory as well as the trauma framework developed in work with refugees (Nwoye 2009). Their travels and new environments might not be welcoming and when coming into the USA from a French speaking nation, this results in increased stress.

Research has attempted to better identify people dealing with depression to aid in offering early intervention and prevention the development of depression. Unfortunately, the USA has its issues regarding racial discrimination; ethnic minorities are not usually held as highly as White migrants (Simon & Lynch, 1999). After leaving a friendly loving Caribbean community and entering an individualized society can contribute to depression.

Anxiety

Anxiety disorders involve excessive fear which is unlike our normal reaction to stress affecting our everyday function according to the APA (2013). High expectations paired with poor outcomes generally lead to anxious symptoms (Furnham, 1987; Misra & Kilroy, 1992). Perceived match between premigratory expectations and postmigratory realities is an issue central to the psychological adjustment of most immigrants, regardless of the circumstances under which they migrated, Landau-Stanton (1990). It the realities do not match up favorably to the immigrants expectations, the resultant anger and frustration can lead to anxiety, Misra & Kilroy (1992). Upon receiving to Visa its the fear of not knowing where what is ahead in the USA that results in increased levels of anxiety. West Indians living in the Caribbean are told exaggerated stories of economic and professional success from friends or relatives who migrated (Baptiste et al., 1997; Crawford-Brown & Rattray, 2001). Social media feeds people false information about the daily life of an average American. Most of the postings that people living in the Caribbean islands see of their friends in the USA on Facebook can cause fear of not being able to fit in.

There have been studies that have looked at mental health of Black Caribbean Immigrants (Haile et. al, 2007, Gibbs et. al 2013). African Caribbean immigrants were considered to have lower rates of mental illness in any form than USA born nationals. These studies acknowledge a relationship between race/ethnicity and personality with mental illness among Caribbean Blacks in the United States. Further research aids in understanding psychiatric illness within the population of Blacks in the United States (Gibbs et. al 2013)

Methods

Participants

Participants were recruited from the International Students Office at Temple University. There was a total of 100 participants and a stratified sampling method was used. The sample included 50 participants immigrants from French speaking countries and those from English speaking countries. The participants were all Black Caribbean immigrants Temple students to the United States. Ages ranged from 18 -30 years some had come as minors with undocumented parents, some as Refugees, others Asylum seekers and economic immigrants. To be included in the study one had to have lived in the United States for not less than five years and not more than ten years.

Materials

Questionnaires were utilized to measure the degree of anxiety that each participant had and the presence of signs / symptoms of depression. Participants, to measure the level of anxiety. had to answer the questions on the (Beck 1988). The total score was calculated by finding the sum of the 21items. If the participants scored 0-21 = low anxiety, score of 22 35 = moderate anxiety and score of 36 and above =potentially concerning levels of anxiety.

To measure the level of Depression the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM -D) (Hamilton 1960) was used. HAM-D contains 21 items scoring was based on the first 17 items, and the score determined the level of depression. Levels of depression scale 0-7 = normal, 8 13 mild depression, 14 8 moderate, 19-22 severe and 22 >23 = very severe depression.

Four other questions were included; to assess migrant experiences

At what age did the participant come to the United States?
What is your current immigration status?
Do you have any immediate family in the Unites States?
Write a minimum of one word to describe your stay in the United States so far?

Procedure

Participants were told that the study was designed to explore the impact that migration has on a person leading to the development of anxiety and depression. Approval had to be obtained from the University to conduct this research. All participants had to sign an informed consent about the confidentiality of any sensitive information which included immigration status. An agreement was made that all participants would be willing to participate in the research for over a year. Initially the participants answered the questioners in the Spring Semester of their first year at Temple and completed it in the Spring Semester of their second year. The independent variables being measured were the levels of depression and anxiety, while the dependent data was age, gender, and age of migration. The students came to the International students lounge and could complete the questions at their own time. Generally, they were able to do this within two hours or less. Participants generally completed the questioner within one hour. Debriefing was done with all participating groups emphasizing the importance of the second visit. At the end of the study participants were given a card thanking them for taking to the time to participate in the study.

References

Beck, A T., Steer, R., & Garbin, M. G. (1988). Psychometric properties of the Beck Depression Inventory; Twenty-Five years of evaluation Clinical Psychology Review, 8, 77-100
Hamilton M: (1960) A rating scale for depression. Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry 23:56-62
Mahalaingam R., Murphy E. J. (2006). Perceived congruence between expectations and outcomes: Implication for mental health among Caribbean Immigrants. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry 76, 1, 120-127
Lynch J. P., Simon R. J. (1999). A comparative assessment of public opinion towards immigrants and immigration policies. International Migration Review 33:455-467
Thomas-Hope, E (1992) Explanation in Caribbean migration: Perception and the image. London: Macmillian Caribbean.
Bhugra D., Jones P. (2001) Migration and mental illness. Advances in Psychiatric Treatment 7, 216-223
Kinzie D. J. (2006), Immigrants and Refugees: The Psychiatric Perspective. Transcultural Psychiatry 43, 577-591
American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental (DSM-5), Fifth edition. 2013
Schwartz S. J., (2010) Rethinking the Concept of Acculturation. Implications for Theory and Research. American Psychological Association 65,4 237-251
Bacigalupe G., Camara M. (2012). Transnational Families and Social Technologies: Reassessing Immigration Psychology. Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies 38, 9, 1425 -1438
G. R, Dudley-Grant, W. Ethredge. Caribbean Black: (Haitians, Jamaicans, Virgin Islanders, eastern Caribbean) Responses to Disasters in Cultural Context
Mood, anxiety, and personality disorders among first and to the United States. Psychiatry Research 220:1028-1036, 2014

Get Professional Assignment Help Cheaply

Are you busy and do not have time to handle your assignment? Are you scared that your paper will not make the grade? Do you have responsibilities that may hinder you from turning in your assignment on time? Are you tired and can barely handle your assignment? Are your grades inconsistent?

Whichever your reason is, it is valid! You can get professional academic help from our service at affordable rates. We have a team of professional academic writers who can handle all your assignments.

Why Choose Our Academic Writing Service?

Plagiarism free papers
Timely delivery
Any deadline
Skilled, Experienced Native English Writers
Subject-relevant academic writer
Adherence to paper instructions
Ability to tackle bulk assignments
Reasonable prices
24/7 Customer Support
Get superb grades consistently

Online Academic Help With Different Subjects

Literature

Students barely have time to read. We got you! Have your literature essay or book review written without having the hassle of reading the book. You can get your literature paper custom-written for you by our literature specialists.

Finance

Do you struggle with finance? No need to torture yourself if finance is not your cup of tea. You can order your finance paper from our academic writing service and get 100% original work from competent finance experts.

Computer science

Computer science is a tough subject. Fortunately, our computer science experts are up to the match. No need to stress and have sleepless nights. Our academic writers will tackle all your computer science assignments and deliver them on time. Let us handle all your python, java, ruby, JavaScript, php , C+ assignments!

Psychology

While psychology may be an interesting subject, you may lack sufficient time to handle your assignments. Don’t despair; by using our academic writing service, you can be assured of perfect grades. Moreover, your grades will be consistent.

Engineering

Engineering is quite a demanding subject. Students face a lot of pressure and barely have enough time to do what they love to do. Our academic writing service got you covered! Our engineering specialists follow the paper instructions and ensure timely delivery of the paper.

Nursing

In the nursing course, you may have difficulties with literature reviews, annotated bibliographies, critical essays, and other assignments. Our nursing assignment writers will offer you professional nursing paper help at low prices.

Sociology

Truth be told, sociology papers can be quite exhausting. Our academic writing service relieves you of fatigue, pressure, and stress. You can relax and have peace of mind as our academic writers handle your sociology assignment.

Business

We take pride in having some of the best business writers in the industry. Our business writers have a lot of experience in the field. They are reliable, and you can be assured of a high-grade paper. They are able to handle business papers of any subject, length, deadline, and difficulty!

Statistics

We boast of having some of the most experienced statistics experts in the industry. Our statistics experts have diverse skills, expertise, and knowledge to handle any kind of assignment. They have access to all kinds of software to get your assignment done.

Law

Writing a law essay may prove to be an insurmountable obstacle, especially when you need to know the peculiarities of the legislative framework. Take advantage of our top-notch law specialists and get superb grades and 100% satisfaction.

What discipline/subjects do you deal in?

We have highlighted some of the most popular subjects we handle above. Those are just a tip of the iceberg. We deal in all academic disciplines since our writers are as diverse. They have been drawn from across all disciplines, and orders are assigned to those writers believed to be the best in the field. In a nutshell, there is no task we cannot handle; all you need to do is place your order with us. As long as your instructions are clear, just trust we shall deliver irrespective of the discipline.

Are your writers competent enough to handle my paper?

Our essay writers are graduates with bachelor's, masters, Ph.D., and doctorate degrees in various subjects. The minimum requirement to be an essay writer with our essay writing service is to have a college degree. All our academic writers have a minimum of two years of academic writing. We have a stringent recruitment process to ensure that we get only the most competent essay writers in the industry. We also ensure that the writers are handsomely compensated for their value. The majority of our writers are native English speakers. As such, the fluency of language and grammar is impeccable.

What if I don’t like the paper?

There is a very low likelihood that you won’t like the paper.

Reasons being:

When assigning your order, we match the paper’s discipline with the writer’s field/specialization. Since all our writers are graduates, we match the paper’s subject with the field the writer studied. For instance, if it’s a nursing paper, only a nursing graduate and writer will handle it. Furthermore, all our writers have academic writing experience and top-notch research skills.
We have a quality assurance that reviews the paper before it gets to you. As such, we ensure that you get a paper that meets the required standard and will most definitely make the grade.

In the event that you don’t like your paper:

The writer will revise the paper up to your pleasing. You have unlimited revisions. You simply need to highlight what specifically you don’t like about the paper, and the writer will make the amendments. The paper will be revised until you are satisfied. Revisions are free of charge
We will have a different writer write the paper from scratch.
Last resort, if the above does not work, we will refund your money.

Will the professor find out I didn’t write the paper myself?

Not at all. All papers are written from scratch. There is no way your tutor or instructor will realize that you did not write the paper yourself. In fact, we recommend using our assignment help services for consistent results.

What if the paper is plagiarized?

We check all papers for plagiarism before we submit them. We use powerful plagiarism checking software such as SafeAssign, LopesWrite, and Turnitin. We also upload the plagiarism report so that you can review it. We understand that plagiarism is academic suicide. We would not take the risk of submitting plagiarized work and jeopardize your academic journey. Furthermore, we do not sell or use prewritten papers, and each paper is written from scratch.

When will I get my paper?

You determine when you get the paper by setting the deadline when placing the order. All papers are delivered within the deadline. We are well aware that we operate in a time-sensitive industry. As such, we have laid out strategies to ensure that the client receives the paper on time and they never miss the deadline. We understand that papers that are submitted late have some points deducted. We do not want you to miss any points due to late submission. We work on beating deadlines by huge margins in order to ensure that you have ample time to review the paper before you submit it.

Will anyone find out that I used your services?

We have a privacy and confidentiality policy that guides our work. We NEVER share any customer information with third parties. Noone will ever know that you used our assignment help services. It’s only between you and us. We are bound by our policies to protect the customer’s identity and information. All your information, such as your names, phone number, email, order information, and so on, are protected. We have robust security systems that ensure that your data is protected. Hacking our systems is close to impossible, and it has never happened.

How our Assignment Help Service Works

1. Place an order

You fill all the paper instructions in the order form. Make sure you include all the helpful materials so that our academic writers can deliver the perfect paper. It will also help to eliminate unnecessary revisions.

2. Pay for the order

Proceed to pay for the paper so that it can be assigned to one of our expert academic writers. The paper subject is matched with the writer’s area of specialization.

3. Track the progress

You communicate with the writer and know about the progress of the paper. The client can ask the writer for drafts of the paper. The client can upload extra material and include additional instructions from the lecturer. Receive a paper.

4. Download the paper

The paper is sent to your email and uploaded to your personal account. You also get a plagiarism report attached to your paper.

PLACE THIS ORDER OR A SIMILAR ORDER WITH US TODAY AND GET A PERFECT SCORE!!!