https://www.mdu.se/

Background: Forced migrants fleeing conflict and violence face a high risk of mental health problems due to experi-ences before displacement, perilous journeys, and conditions in the new host societies. Asylum seekers seem to bein particularly vulnerable situations, indicated by higher prevalence rates of mental health problems compared toresettled refugees. Asylum seekers’ mental health is highly influenced by the conditions they face in host countrieswhile awaiting a decision on their case. In Sweden, 40% of asylum seekers reside in state-provided accommodationcenters during the asylum process. Collective accommodation centers for asylum seekers have been said to imposerestrictive social conditions and to be associated with poorer mental health outcomes than other housing forms (e.g.,self-organized housing). However, there seems to be a scarcity of qualitative studies exploring the experiences ofasylum seekers in different contexts. The aim of this study was therefore to explore the experiences of asylum seekersand how they manage their mental wellbeing while living at accommodation centers in Sweden.Methods: Fourteen semi-structured interviews with asylum seekers were conducted at two accommodation centersin Sweden. Participants were recruited using purposeful sampling and represented a diverse group of asylum seekersregarding age, background, and gender. The data was analyzed using content analysis.Results: Three overarching categories were identified; 1) Frozen life, 2) Constant worrying and “overthinking”, and3) Distractions and peer support. Participants experienced a state of being that could be characterized as a frozenlife, which was associated with intense feelings of psychological distress, mostly described as manifesting itself inconsuming patterns of ruminative thoughts, for instance overthinking and constant worrying. However, despite highlevels of distress, participants demonstrated agency in managing negative mental health outcomes through self-carepractices, peer support, and the development of care practices in caring for others in need.Conclusion: This study offers new insights into the everyday challenges that asylum seekers at accommodationcenters face. Furthermore, it offers valuable observations of how asylum seekers at accommodation centers copethrough self-care practices, peer support, and care practices in caring for peers in need. In order to enable sustainableand empowering support, mental health and psychosocial support services must identify and address both chal-lenges and strengths, be grounded in the lived reality of asylum seekers, and build on existing resources. Moreover,further policy work needs to be done to enable faster asylum processes.