Chronic Stress and Immigrant Health

Dr. Pamela Brewer is joined by Dr. Iris Cardenas, Assistant Professor at the University of Maryland School of Social Work, for a thoughtful conversation on chronic stress and its impact on immigrant communities. Together, they explore how uncertainty, structural barriers, and lived experiences shape both mental and physical health. This episode of M.E.S.H. invites you to consider the weight of ongoing stress, the fact and power of resilience, community strength, and practical ways people navigate it every day.🌟 Topics Covered:Chronic stress versus acute stressStructural barriers to healthcare accessThe role of discrimination in health outcomesPhysical effects of long-term stressIntergenerational transmission of stressThe weathering effect in marginalized communitiesFear and uncertainty in daily lifeCommunity as a protective factorInformal versus formal support systemsKey takeaways:Chronic stress is not just emotional—it affects the entire bodyStructural inequities directly shape health outcomesUncertainty can intensify both mental and physical strainCommunity connection can buffer the impact of stressStrength and resilience are often already present within communitiesLearn more about our guest:Website: iriscardenas.comAffiliation: University of Maryland School of Social WorkCenter: Center for Behavioral Health and Well-being#MentalHealth #ChronicStress #HealthEquity #ImmigrantHealth #SocialDeterminants #EmotionalHealth #PublicHealth #CommunityCare #MESHpodcast #Psychotherapy