In the 21st century, war, famine, genocide, and natural disasters have led to the highest levels of forced human migration in recorded history. Enduring global and local inequities rooted in racism and ethnocentrism shape youth well-being but are insufficiently considered in literature aiming to support youth mental health. This paper uses feminist decolonial and critical race theories to disrupt notions that Western perspectives on mental health are superior or the norm, and discusses the social context of Bhutanese refugee youth. We then describe a multiyear (2021–2023) community-based participatory research (CBPR) process with Bhutanese refugee youth and their families in the United States centered on supporting youth mental health. Data analyzed for this study include ethnographic field notes of listening sessions and events as well as transcripts of a focus group, all conducted during this period. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings illustrate challenges and disillusionment associated with resettlement, along with community-driven supportive efforts. We share recommendations offered by the community that are culturally responsive to their needs and discuss how to promote youth well-being in the context of widespread global inequity.
Blessett et al. (Thu,) studied this question.