Non‐European immigrants' self‐described strategies for mental health promotion and perceptions of Finnish mental health services: A qualitative descriptive analysis

PURPOSE: This study aims to describe non‐European immigrants' perceptions toward mental health care in Finland and the factors that support their mental health. DESIGN AND METHODS: Participants (N = 17) were interviewed through semistructured interviews, after which interview transcripts were analyzed using a six‐phase thematic analysis process. FINDINGS: The participants reported that developing self‐help strategies benefitted their mental health. The participants primarily preferred unprofessional help over professional mental health care. Several structural and cultural barriers to help‐seeking were identified. PRACTICAL IMPLICATION: Health care staff working with immigrants need proper education and knowledge to provide sufficient, holistic care; for this reason, information about the cultural differences among immigrants and cultural sensitivity should be included in basic as well as post‐graduate nursing education.