For greater than a decade, mandatory offshore detention has been a cornerstone of Australia’s technique to deter people arriving by boat to assert asylum. This is followed by onshore detention, where people without a valid visa are held in transit centers and accommodation on mainland Australia.

Today we show the impact these policies have on the mental health of formerly detained asylum seekers.

Our new studythe largest study of its kind, shows high rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and suicidal thoughts amongst individuals who have been previously detained – especially at sea.

Our findings come at a time when several other countries are exploring their very own versions of offshore detention.

What we did

We surveyed 990 adult refugees and asylum seekers living in the Australian community between 2011 and 2018. These included 775 individuals who had never been held in a detention center and 215 who were detained and later released.

It is the largest known dataset available globally to measure the mental health of previously detained asylum seekers.

Some of the people in the detention center were held only on land, while others were held at sea after which transferred to a detention center on land.

Based on the survey participants’ responses, we determined the probable presence of mental disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and suicidal thoughts (intense and frequent thoughts about ending one’s life).

What we found

We found that incarceration significantly increases the risk of serious mental illness. People who had been in detention were more prone to later report symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and suicidal thoughts in comparison with individuals who had not.

However, not all incarceration experiences carried the same degree of mental health risk.

People detained at sea were 16.5–20.2 times more prone to develop post-traumatic stress disorder, five times more prone to suffer from depression, and 4.6–5.2 times more prone to have suicidal thoughts in comparison with those detained on land for lower than six months.

The link between offshore detention and mental illness isn’t surprising. However, we were surprised by the scale of this effect.

Prolonged detention on land also had serious mental health consequences. People held on land for six months or longer were 16.9 times more prone to develop post-traumatic stress disorder and 5.5 times more prone to have suicidal thoughts in comparison with those held on land for lower than six months.

Our findings coincide with large body of research documenting the harmful psychological effects of detention on land (specifically for prolonged periods). However, for the first time we have now empirical data showing the much more harmful impact of detention at sea.

How did we get here?

Since 2012 4296 people they were held at sea on the island of Nauru or Manus under the supervision of the Australian government overseas processing policy.

It involves politics mandatory detention on land in detention and transit centers on mainland Australia.

Domestic and international courts have ruled that Australia’s practice of compulsory detention, particularly indefinite immigration detention and offshore detention, is against the law in some circumstances. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees has repeatedly called for an end to Australia’s offshore detention policy.

Despite this, detention at sea continues. Although all those remaining on Nauru in June 2023 were transferred to the Australian mainland, more people have since arrived. In September 2023, the Australian Government resumed transfers of individuals who arrived on Nauru by boat. The latest estimates suggest about 100 people were moved there.

However, research over the past decade has shown that detaining people at sea is each costly and ineffective. Analysis of migration patterns to Australia and other countries has shown that such policies don’t deter people from looking for asylum.

Detention at sea can also be expensive. It costs almost 22 million Australian dollars one yr for Australia to detain and interrogate one person at sea; the annual cost of managing the same person in the community could be $3,962.

Other countries must take this under consideration

Our findings have implications for other countries currently using similar models of offshore detention – often called “third-country processing.”

In February 2024 offshore processing transaction between Italy and Albania and in October 2024 these detention centers were ratified opened.

In April 2024, the UK passed this legislation relocating asylum seekers to Rwanda, a move that has been made repeatedly condemned by the United Nations. Despite the newly elected British Labor government promising to repeal the law in Julyit hasn’t happened yet. Instead, it looks like Britain is watching Agreement between Italy and Albania regarding asylum seekers with interest.

Denmark too resumed talks with Rwanda outsource the processing of data of people coming to Denmark to use for asylum. Recently also the Danish Minister of Immigration visited Nauru.

Actions by governments to keep up or establish offshore detention and processing policies are specifically at odds with clear evidence on the humanitarian and economic costs, and now clear evidence on the psychological burden of such practices.

There they’re evidence-based alternatives to be held at sea. These include timely and humane processing on land and supporting regional neighbors in providing friendly resettlement conditions for people looking for refuge from war and persecution.

Our findings strongly caution against continuing or establishing immigration detention policies that end in people being detained, particularly at sea or for longer periods of time.

Let’s talk for a moment about acids in skincare. Did that our bodies produce substances that you would be able to recognize if you buy your favorite beauty products? And yes, this definitely includes hyaluronic acid.

“Hyaluronic acids are substances that naturally occur in our body, especially abundant in the skin, connective tissue and eyes,” he says. Dr. Dendy EngelmanM.D., board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Shafer Clinic. “They act as powerful moisturizers that attract and hold up to 1,000 times their weight in water, resulting in plump and moisturized skin with increased elasticity. It is a staple ingredient in anti-aging and moisturizing products.”

Think of hyaluronic acids as your best friend that keeps your skin properly moisturized. In other words, it’s perfect to keep with you, especially as the winter months approach. Taylor BagbyRN, BSN, aesthetic nurse practitioner at SkinSpirit, says it “not only provides hydration, but also helps the skin retain it.”

Below, learn more about hyaluronic acid and why you must consider adding it to your routine this season and beyond.

Benefits

Hyaluronic acid is a superstar ingredient. Katie MartinMSPAS, PA-C, a licensed physician assistant at Holden Timeless Beauty, mentions that it is “truly transformative,” reducing the appearance of nice lines and wrinkles while leaving skin with a radiant, dewy glow.

“Hyaluronic acids offer a number of benefits, primarily by intensely hydrating the skin, helping it maintain firmness and elasticity,” says Engelman. “Additionally, hyaluronic acids improve the skin’s barrier function, protecting it from environmental stressors and improving overall skin health.”

Rachel Lozinaa licensed esthetician and founding father of Blue Water Spa, recommends using a product with hyaluronic acids. “The skin tends to sag and wrinkle, which will make you look older,” says Lozina. “Moisturized skin absorbs more moisture and allows your makeup to last smoother.”

Can hyaluronic acids work on all skin types?

Are you wondering whether hyaluronic acids work on all skin types? Karyn GrossmanM.D., a board-certified surgeon and dermatologist, notes that hyaluronic acids “can work on all skin types due to its moisturizing and non-cell-clogging properties.” She also notes that hyaluronic acids provide deep hydration and reduce flaking of dry skin.

It also helps balance moisture levels without making your skin feel or look greasy if you may have oily skin. It is gentle and soothing for sensitive skin, without causing irritation. Finally, it moisturizes dry areas without burdening oily areas together skin.

What products should I exploit?

01

01
Caudalie Vinosource-Hydra SOS Moisturizing serum with hyaluronic acid

Engelman recommends that individuals with sensitive skin use this deeply moisturizing serum, which accommodates organic grape water and hyaluronic acid, “leaving skin soft, supple and refreshed.”
Available at caudalie.com

02

02
SkinCeuticals Moisturizing Gel B5

Improve your skin with this Martin approved gel. “It replenishes the nutrients your skin needs to keep it smooth and younger-looking, ideal for post-treatment use and as a complement to other skincare treatments.”
Available at barbaskinshop.com

03

03
Drunk Elephant B-Hydra intense moisturizing serum

According to Martin, the mixture of provitamin B5 and pineapple ceramide provides long-lasting hydration and improves the structure and tone of the skin.
Available at sephora.com

04

04
CeraVe serum with hyaluronic acid

Martin recommends this serum for sensitive skin since it accommodates ceramides and hyaluronic acid, which restore the skin barrier and supply lasting hydration.
Available at ulta.com

05

05
Neutrogena Hydro Boost water gel

Katie Martin, a licensed physician assistant at Holden Timeless Beauty, loves this fast-absorbing water-based gel from Neutrogena “because it really works on all skin types. It’s lightweight and oil-free, providing loads of hydration without clogging pores.
Available at goal.com

06

06
Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

Martin suggests this inexpensive and effective serum accommodates hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5, which offer the skin with “improved hydration and skin regeneration, making it a great addition to any skin care routine.”
Available at theordinary.com

We independently review all services we recommend. If you click on the links we offer, we may receive compensation.

Nearly five years into the pandemic, COVID seems less relevant to our each day lives.

However, the SARS-CoV-2 virus is still present, and for many individuals the consequences of the infection could also be long-lasting. When symptoms persist for greater than three months after the initial COVID infection, it is generally known as long Covid.

In September, a Brazilian musician and Grammy Award winner Sergio Mendes died on the age of 83 after reportedly long treatment for Covid-19.

Australian data show that 196 deaths were attributable to long-term effects of Covid-19 from the start of the pandemic to the top of July 2023.

In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 3,544 people long-term deaths related to Covid-19 from the start of the pandemic until the top of June 2022.

Symptoms long Covid – reminiscent of fatigue, shortness of breath and “brain fog” – could be debilitating. But can you die from long Covid? The answer is not that simple.

How long Covid can result in death?

We still don’t understand much about why the Covid virus has a long course. A well-liked theory is that “zombies” virus fragments they’ll linger within the body and cause inflammation even after the virus has gone, causing long-term health problems. Recent research suggests that this is a reservoir SARS-CoV-2 proteins within the blood may explain why symptoms persist in some people.

We know that a serious Covid infection may cause harm many organs. For example, it might result in severe Covid-19 everlasting lung dysfunctionpersistent heart inflammation, neurological damage and long-term kidney disease.

These problems can, in some cases, result in death immediately or months or years later. But is death after the acute phase of infection from considered one of these causes a direct results of COVID, long Covid-19, or something else? Whether long Covid-19 may cause death is still a subject of debate.

With 3,544 deaths related to long-term infection with the Covid-19 virus within the USA until June 2022, essentially the most continuously recorded cause was the Covid-19 virus itself (67.5%). This could mean they died from considered one of the long-term effects of Covid-19 infection, reminiscent of those listed above.

Covid-19 infection was followed by heart disease (8.6%), cancer (2.9%), Alzheimer’s disease (2.7%), lung disease (2.5%), diabetes (2%) and stroke ( 1.8%). Adults aged 75–84 had the very best rate of deaths related to long Covid-19 disease (28.8%).

These findings suggest that lots of these people died “from” long Covid-19, reasonably than from the disease. In other words, long Covid may not be a direct reason for death, but reasonably a contributing factor, possibly exacerbating existing conditions.

“Cause of death” is difficult to define

Long Covid is a comparatively recent phenomenon, so data on the mortality rate of individuals with the disease is limited.

However, we will draw some conclusions from the experiences of individuals suffering from post-viral diseases that have been studied longer, reminiscent of encephalomyelitis and chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS).

How long Covid, ME/CFS is a fancy condition that can have a major and varied impact on an individual’s physical function, dietary status, social engagement, mental health and quality of life.

Some research shows that individuals with ME/CFS are in a difficult situation increased risk deaths from causes including heart disease, infections and suicide, which could also be triggered or worsened by the devastating nature of this syndrome.

So what does the emerging data on long Covid-19 tell us in regards to the potential increased risk of death?

Research from 2023 suggests that US adults with long-term Covid-19 infection were greater risk development of heart disease, stroke, lung disease and asthma.

Studies have also shown long Covid involves greater risk suicidal thoughts (pondering or planning suicide). This may reflect common symptoms and consequences of long Covid-19, reminiscent of sleep problems, fatigue, chronic pain and emotional distress.

However, long Covid-19 is more more likely to occur in individuals who have it existing health conditions. This makes it difficult to find out exactly how long the Covid-19 virus has been contributing to an individual’s death.

Research has shown this for a long time reliability problems in reporting causes of death, especially for people suffering from chronic diseases.

So what can we conclude?

Ultimately, long Covid is a chronic condition that can significantly impact your quality of life, mental well-being and overall health.

While the long-term Covid-19 virus is not often life-threatening or immediately life-threatening, it is possible that it could exacerbate existing health conditions and thus contribute to an individual’s death.

Importantly, many individuals all over the world with long-term Covid-19 do not have access to adequate support. We need to develop care models for optimal management of individuals suffering from long-term Covid-19 disease, with particular emphasis on multidisciplinary care.