Depression, Discrimination, and Integration: Mental Health Challenges of First-Generation Iranian Immigrants in Germany

Background: Migration and integration are complex processes that impact the mental health of immigrant populations. This study focuses on the mental health challenges faced by first-generation Iranian immigrants in Germany, specifically examining the role of depression, discrimination, and social integration.Methods: A cross-sectional, online survey was administered to 401 Iranian immigrants across 122 cities in Germany. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the PHQ-9, while perceived discrimination, social support, and integration were measured with custom scales. Multivariable statistical analyses were employed to identify significant predictors of depression and re-migration intent.Results: About 60% of participants reported moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms. Perceived discrimination (b = 1.246, p = 0.001) and unemployment (b = 2.571, p = 0.007) were positively linked to depression, while self-employment (b = −3.052, p = 0.029) had a protective effect. The strongest predictor of depression was the comparison of happiness between Germany and Iran (b = −2.457, p < 0.001), with lower happiness in Germany correlating with higher depressive scores. Social support showed a trend toward buffering the effects of discrimination (b = −0.596, p = 0.085). Additionally, 63.6% of participants expressed intent to re-migrate.Conclusions: The findings highlight the significant mental health burden experienced by Iranian immigrants in Germany, with discrimination, unemployment and lack of social support being key contributors to depressive symptoms. The high re-migration intent underscores the need for interventions addressing discrimination, enhancing social support, and improving integration pathways to reduce mental health disparities and promote social cohesion.Keywords: Iranian immigrants, Germany, depression, discrimination, mental health, integration