Deena Mehjabeen

My doctoral research is dedicated to crafting comprehensive recommendations for mental health self-care tailored specifically for Arabic-speaking refugee-like populations residing in Australia. This endeavour is critical given the unique challenges faced by this demographic, including language barriers, cultural adjustments and the enduring impact of past traumas. The initial phase of my project entails a comprehensive systematic literature review. This review aims to collate existing research to identify and synthesise evidence-based self-care strategies geared towards managing depression, anxiety and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) within Arabic-speaking migrant and refugee communities on a global scale. By examining a breadth of scholarly work, encompassing various cultural contexts and geographic regions, I seek to highlight key insights and best practices that can inform effective interventions. Simultaneously, I am engaged in the second phase of my research, which serves to complement the findings of the literature review. Employing a qualitative research design, I conducted focus group discussions within Arabic-speaking communities with refugee-like backgrounds residing in Australia. These discussions delve into the lived experiences and preferences regarding self-care strategies, providing invaluable firsthand perspectives. By engaging directly with community members, I aim to gain a nuanced understanding of their needs and preferences, which will serve as the cornerstone for developing culturally sensitive and contextually relevant recommendations. The resultant recommendations will prioritise factors such as the relevance and suitability of the identified self-care activities for managing stress and improving mental health among Arabic-speaking populations from refugee-like backgrounds, across the four settings in the Australian Mental Health Stepped Care Model, that is, (1) informal community care, (2) primary/generalist care, (3) community-based mental health services and (4) hospital-based mental health services. It is imperative that these recommendations resonate with the target community and are readily implementable within their socio-cultural context. To ensure widespread adoption and impact, the recommendations will be disseminated to an array of stakeholders, including community members, healthcare professionals, settlement service providers, and policymakers. By fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing across these sectors, we can collectively work towards enhancing mental health support services for Arabic-speaking refugee-like populations not only in Australia but also in other high-income resettlement countries. In addition to my current doctoral research, my academic journey has been enriched by prior research endeavours. Notably, I have explored the role of the Indian-American diaspora community in global health diplomacy amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Through insightful analysis and discourse, I examined how diaspora diplomacy, alongside broader global health diplomacy efforts, could serve as potent tools in mitigating the impact of future pandemic-like health crises. By leveraging the expertise and networks within diaspora communities, policymakers and global health diplomats can forge innovative solutions and foster international cooperation in times of crisis. In summary, my doctoral research represents a concerted effort to address the mental health needs of Arabic-speaking refugee-like populations through evidence-based recommendations and community-centred approaches. By bridging research, practice, and policy, I aspire to contribute to the creation of a more inclusive and supportive environment for vulnerable populations navigating the complexities of resettlement and psychological wellbeing.