Opinion:

The Scandinavian values of egalitarianism, work-life balance, and emotional restraint often clash with the more hierarchical, family-centred, and expressive cultural norms of Eastern and Middle European immigrants, the authors write.

These immigrants in Norway face mental health challenges

OPINION: Traditional integration metrics – employment rates, income levels, and housing stability – fail to capture the emotional and psychological toll of cultural displacement.

Miroslava Tokovska
Miroslava Tokovska Miroslava Tokovska Miroslava Tokovska Associate Professor, Kristiania University of Applied Sciences
Marta Hustava Sipulova
Marta Hustava Sipulova Marta Hustava Sipulova Marta Hustava Sipulova Associate professor, Oslomet
Published

Norway's economic prosperity has long attracted skilled workers from across Europe. Many come from Eastern and Central European countries. While they often have university degrees, secure employment, and competitive salaries, research reveals an unexpected reality: Many face profound mental health challenges that remain largely invisible to Norwegian society.

The paradox of successful integration

Labour immigrants from countries like Poland, Ukraine, Lithuania, Latvia, Romania, Slovakia, and Hungary appear to integrate successfully into Norwegian society. Yet beneath this veneer of success lies a complex web of psychological struggles.

Professional immigrants often report feeling 'less intelligent' or 'less interesting' when communicating in Norwegian, despite their expertise and accomplishments.

Traditional integration metrics – employment rates, income levels, and housing stability – fail to capture the emotional and psychological toll of cultural displacement. These immigrants often arrive healthier and more motivated than the average population – what researchers call the 'healthy migrant effect.' Despite achieving outward success, many experience a gradual decline in their mental and physical well-being.

Janteloven represents a cultural shock

For Eastern and Central European immigrants, the Norwegian cultural landscape presents unique challenges that can trigger significant psychological stress. The Scandinavian values of egalitarianism, work-life balance, and emotional restraint often clash with the more hierarchical, family-centred, and expressive cultural norms of their home countries.

The loss of familiar rituals, community structures, and spiritual support systems can create a profound sense of displacement.

The Norwegian concept of 'janteloven' (the law of Jante), which emphasises modesty and collective well-being over individual achievement, can be particularly challenging for immigrants from cultures that celebrate personal accomplishment and hierarchical recognition. This cultural mismatch can lead to feelings of invisibility and undervaluation, despite professional success.

Language barriers create social isolation

While many Eastern and Central European immigrants arrive with strong English skills, learning Norwegian proves more challenging than anticipated, creating barriers to social integration and professional advancement.

Research indicates that Eastern and Central European work immigrants often suffer in silence, reluctant to seek help due to stigma, cost, or lack of awareness about available resources.

The inability to express nuanced thoughts, emotions, or humour in Norwegian can lead to feelings of intellectual diminishment and social isolation. Professional immigrants often report feeling 'less intelligent' or 'less interesting' when communicating in Norwegian, despite their expertise and accomplishments.

Family reunification can create integration fatigue

The process of family reunification (familiegjenforening) adds another layer of complexity to the immigrant experience. While reuniting with family members should theoretically provide emotional support, it often introduces new stressors.

Spouses may struggle with their integration challenges, children may face academic and social difficulties, and the financial pressure of supporting a larger family in Norway's expensive economy can be overwhelming.

The expectation to serve as cultural mediators for their families while managing their adaptation challenges creates what researchers call 'integration fatigue.' Many immigrants report feeling responsible for their family's happiness and success while simultaneously struggling with their psychological well-being.

The mental health support gap

Perhaps most concerning is the gap between mental health needs and available support. Private psychological services often exceed 1,500 NOK (150 USD) per session, while public services have months-long waiting lists and user fees, creating substantial barriers for immigrant populations.

Many therapists lack understanding of the specific stressors faced by Eastern and Central European immigrants, leading to misdiagnosis or inadequate treatment approaches.

Language barriers compound these challenges. While many immigrants speak English, the nuanced communication required for effective therapy often necessitates native-level Norwegian proficiency. The scarcity of English-speaking therapists familiar with immigrant experiences creates additional obstacles to accessing care.

Cultural competency among healthcare providers remains limited. Many therapists lack understanding of the specific stressors faced by Eastern and Central European immigrants, leading to misdiagnosis or inadequate treatment approaches.

Breaking the silence

    Research indicates that Eastern and Central European work immigrants often suffer in silence, reluctant to seek help due to stigma, cost, or lack of awareness about available resources. In many of their home countries, seeking help is often seen as a sign of weakness or failure, diminishing one's dignity, credibility, or perceived capability. 

    The expectation to be 'grateful' for opportunities in Norway can prevent individuals from acknowledging their struggles or seeking support.

Addressing these mental health challenges is essential for Norway's continued success in attracting and retaining skilled European workers. Supporting immigrant well-being requires recognition and comprehensive assistance beyond employment alone.

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immigration society and culture researchers zone opinion mental health
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