The mental and physical health impacts of immigration detention on asylum seekers and refugees in an Australian context

This study followed refugees and asylum seekers in Australia who had been held in immigration detention for over 28 days. It found that most experienced long-lasting depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress. Being able to work or study helped improve mental health, while visa insecurity and unstable housing made it worse. Even years after release, many continued to suffer from pain, poor health, and a sense of lost identity. Detention caused deep psychological harm, and recovery was made harder by ongoing stress and limited access to care. The study calls for major policy reform and better support for people rebuilding their lives.