---
title: How Being Undocumented Affects Mental Health
date: 2026-04-15T12:42:00-04:00
author: Jonese Austin
canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/being-undocumented-mental-health"
section: "Stories & Conversations"
---
[Donate](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/donate)

[Stories & Conversations](/stories-conversations)# How Being Undocumented Affects Mental Health

In this story, Jill Damatac reflects on how immigration shaped mental health in her family.

Damatac recalls her childhood in Manila and all that she learned from her father. In the Philippines, her dad was warm and caring; however, he changed when he moved to the US. In the US, he became depressed and coped by hoarding. He was also violent and angry, abusing Damatac, her mother, and her sister. During that time, they did what they could to survive but didn’t seek help or treatment as they feared deportation. This trauma was further complicated by experiences of racism and classism.

Jill Damatac's childhood trauma took a toll on her health. She was diagnosed with depression, anxiety, and insomnia; however, she didn’t have health insurance and couldn’t afford treatment. Her dad likely had the same conditions, but he died never having received help or treatment.

Everything changed for Damatac when she moved to Britain with her husband. There, she was able to process her trauma with the help of talk therapy and medication. She also obtained legal status. As a result, in Britain she gained self-fulfillment and a sense of belonging.

In February 2025, she and her family returned to the US. While she’s now a legal immigrant, she understands the plight of the undocumented and continues to advocate for them.

> Psychological studies reveal the dire mental health consequences experienced by families like mine. According to the American Psychiatric Association, undocumented immigrants face multiple mental health risk factors. My family experienced many of them: trauma in our homeland, before migration (my parents grew up in dictatorship), and then, once in America, racism and discrimination in social settings, at school, and at work.

[Read the full article ](https://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/art-books-music/a64567166/undocumented-immigrant-mental-health/)

SOURCE: Harper's Bazaar • AUTHOR: Jill Damatac • LAST UPDATED: May 7, 2025

![A graphic image of a family walking across an American flag](data:image/png;base64,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) Marcos Silva/Adobe Stock

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics

- [ mental health](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/mental-health)
- [ race, class, and mental health](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/race-class-and-mental-health)
- [immigrants](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/immigrants)
- [Asian American](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/asian-american)
- [anxiety](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/anxiety)
- [depression](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/depression)
- [sleep disorders](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/sleep-disorders)
- [trauma](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/trauma)
- [families](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/families)
- [healing from abuse](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/healing-from-abuse)
- [child abuse](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/child-abuse)
- [stories & conversations](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/stories-conversations)

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** 

- We rigorously evaluate all content
- We embrace a reproductive justice framework
- We don’t accept ads or sell products
- We reject funding from the pharmaceutical industry
- We counter misinformation and disinformation
- We address the social, political, and economic factors that affect health and sexuality

[read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us)

Share

[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)

##### More to Explore

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Dealing with Mental Health Issues

MB describes her struggle coming to terms with mental health issues. She shares how her parents hindered her from getting help, but her friends supported her.

![Marisa](data:image/png;base64,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)

MB describes her struggle coming to terms with mental health issues. She shares how her parents hindered her from getting help, but her friends supported her.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-dealing-with-mental-health-issues)

[ResourcesRead

## Decolonizing Mental Health: The Importance of an Oppression-Focused Mental Health System

This article shares different ways to support individual and community mental health–-particularly within BIPOC communities–-in the face of white supremacy, racism, oppression, and colonization.

![Pexels ketut subiyanto 4474029 scaled jpg](data:image/png;base64,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)

This article shares different ways to support individual and community mental health–-particularly within BIPOC communities–-in the face of white supremacy, racism, oppression, and colonization.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/decolonizing-mental-health-the-importance-of-an-oppression-focused-mental-health-system)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Talking About Therapy to My Immigrant Parents

EN discusses talking about her home life in therapy, growing up with strict parents from a different country, and dealing with cultural differences.

![Emily](data:image/png;base64,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)

EN discusses talking about her home life in therapy, growing up with strict parents from a different country, and dealing with cultural differences.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-talking-about-therapy-to-my-immigrant-parents)

[ResourcesRead

## ICE Violence, Eating Disorders, and Harm Reduction in the Face of Authoritarianism

Indigenous activist Gloria Lucas discusses how state violence contributes to disordered eating in undocumented and indigenous communities.

![The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement building with a woman passing by](data:image/png;base64,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)

Indigenous activist Gloria Lucas discusses how state violence contributes to disordered eating in undocumented and indigenous communities.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/ice-violence-eating-disorders-and-harm-reduction-in-the-face-of-authoritarianism)

[ResourcesRead

## Deepening the Divide: Abortion Bans Further Harm Immigrant Communities

Abortion bans criminalize immigrant communities and make it more difficult for immigrants in detention to receive timely reproductive health care. This fact sheet discusses why, and how we can improve immigrants' access to services.

![Immigrant women protesting](data:image/png;base64,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)

Abortion bans criminalize immigrant communities and make it more difficult for immigrants in detention to receive timely reproductive health care. This fact sheet discusses why, and how we can improve immigrants' access to services.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/deepening-the-divide-abortion-bans-further-harm-immigrant-communities)

[ResourcesRead

## The Physical Symptoms of PTSD

Trauma can lead to chronic pain and other physical conditions, sometimes years after the event.

![A woman lays on a couch with her hand on her head and her eyes closed](data:image/png;base64,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)

Trauma can lead to chronic pain and other physical conditions, sometimes years after the event.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/the-physical-symptoms-of-ptsd)

[ResourcesRead

## For Domestic Violence Survivors, Calling the Police Isn't Always the Best Option

This article explains the need to change systems for reporting domestic violence and describes alternative approaches.

![rodnae-productions-7951490](data:image/png;base64,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)

This article explains the need to change systems for reporting domestic violence and describes alternative approaches.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/domestic-violence-alternatives-to-police)

[ResourcesRead

## A Primer: Gender-Based Violence in the South Asian American Diaspora

This overview of gender-based violence in South Asian American communities includes information to aid survivors, such as crisis hotlines, mental health support, and legal resources.

![A South Asian woman stands with her arms crossed and looks at the camera](data:image/png;base64,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)

This overview of gender-based violence in South Asian American communities includes information to aid survivors, such as crisis hotlines, mental health support, and legal resources.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-primer-gender-based-violence-in-the-south-asian-american-diaspora)