Mental health support needs within Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller communities: a qualitative study

Abstract

Purpose Gypsy, Roma and Traveller (GRT) people within the UK and the Republic of Ireland are underrepresented within research and policies despite high rates of mental illness and suicide. This study aims to explore the mental health (MH) support needs for GRT people within the British Isles. Design/methodology/approach This study was a thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with nine self-identified GRT people. Findings The analysis revealed a longing for acceptance, both within and outside the GRT community; barriers to help seeking, specifically unsuitable services, poor awareness, stigma and distrust; and increased vulnerability owing to participants’ perceived lack of prospects and adverse life events. Originality/value Despite increased vulnerability, MH services are underutilised by GRT people for a variety of cultural and practical reasons. To reduce the current inequality, it is imperative that services take steps to increase accessibility. This study expands upon previous research by using the voices of GRT people themselves, creating a narrative built from their own emic perspectives. Unlike previous research, this study focuses exclusively on the MH of participants and includes participants from across the British Isles.

Improving mental healthcare access and experience for people from minority ethnic groups: an England-wide multisite experience-based codesign (EBCD) study

“…Therefore, the extent to which findings are transferable to other ethnic backgrounds including Romany and Chinese, or rural areas is unclear. Previous studies indicate that individuals from other minority ethnic communities (eg, Roma, Chinese) experience similar barriers to those from black and South Asian backgrounds including poor mental health awareness, stigma and distrust 27 28. Indeed, during the interviews, mental health professionals reported similar themes (concerning access and engagement) in their work with Romany and Chinese ethnic groups indicating that findings (in terms of priority actions) are also relevant to these groups.…”

Adapting cognitive behavioural therapy for depression in later life for Irish Travellers: a case example and considerations for practice

“…‘my nerves are bad’) was used where possible. It is understood that ‘nerves’ is an accepted term used by many Irish Travellers to describe a range of mental health difficulties (Thompson et al ., 2021).…”

“…Despite depression being common in these traditionally nomadic communities, Parry et al . (2007) found that Irish Travellers and Gypsies often consider it to be shameful to be discussed and that the stigma of having a mental illness not only affects the individual, but also negatively affects the way their whole family is viewed by the wider community (Thompson et al ., 2021).…”

“…Furthermore, Gypsies and Irish Travellers report fear and distrust of services and professionals due to personal and community experiences of racism and discrimination, for example fears of their children being removed if they disclose mental health issues (Thompson et al ., 2021; Van Cleemput et al ., 2007). The stigma associated with mental health difficulties, and fear of discrimination from services, are considered to contribute to avoidance of help-seeking by Gypsies, Roma and Travellers (Thompson et al ., 2021).…”

“…Furthermore, Gypsies and Irish Travellers report fear and distrust of services and professionals due to personal and community experiences of racism and discrimination, for example fears of their children being removed if they disclose mental health issues (Thompson et al ., 2021; Van Cleemput et al ., 2007). The stigma associated with mental health difficulties, and fear of discrimination from services, are considered to contribute to avoidance of help-seeking by Gypsies, Roma and Travellers (Thompson et al ., 2021). Additionally, Gypsies and Irish Travellers reportedly face practical barriers to accessing health services such as GP surgeries requiring a fixed address, and completion of lengthy paperwork requiring a certain degree of written literacy (Parry et al ., 2007).…”