Mental Health and Therapy: Experiences of the German and African Diaspora

From 22nd to 24th September 2023, 60 students and alumni from 12 African countries and Germany gathered in Hamburg for ANSA’s annual conference. Under the theme Mental Health and Therapy: Experiences of the German and African Diaspora, participants explored how migration impacts mental wellbeing, often both inspiring and challenging personal resilience.

Keynote speakers Prof. Dr. Pilar Salamanca, Jaqueline Mugaragu-Lamprecht, and Imen Besrour shared professional and personal perspectives, while ANSA members presented research on topics like the effects of Covid-19, challenges for PhD students, and the link between climate change and mental health. The conference highlighted that living abroad shapes mental wellbeing in complex ways. Positive factors like learning the local language and building communities were discussed, alongside challenges such as homesickness, loneliness, discrimination, and systemic barriers in healthcare access. Participants gathered practical information on mental health services in Germany, addressing questions about support systems, access, and legal limitations under asylum regulations.

The program was enriched with meditation sessions, a poetry night, a Hamburg city tour, and shared meals, creating a warm and lively atmosphere. The conference closed with the election of a new board. A big thank you to all who made this event unforgettable — we look forward to seeing you next year!