Discrimination, Racism, Xenophobia, and Mental Health
The Hidden Struggles: Discrimination, Racism, Xenophobia, and Student Mental Health in Switzerland
When we talk about mental health, we often think about stress, anxiety, or depression as if they exist in isolation. But the truth is, our mental wellbeing is deeply connected to the world we live in and the way we are treated by others.
When people think of Switzerland, they often picture breathtaking mountains, safety, and a high quality of life. And yes — Switzerland is an attractive place to live and study. Life can feel calm and steady here. But through my research, I discovered another layer, one that doesn’t often make it into everyday conversations: the impact of discrimination, racism, and xenophobia on mental health.
For my thesis, I conducted qualitative, in-person research with university students of different nationalities, coming from different cultures, with different sets of beliefs and experiences (age range 24-44). I wanted to understand what their lived experiences were, beyond statistics and official reports. What I found confirmed what earlier studies by Dixon & Telles (2017), Skendrovich (2007), and Creton (2018) have highlighted: dicrimination, racism and xenophobia are real, they are often subtle, and they have immense consequences for mental wellbeing.
What I Found from Research
Colorism: Students with darker skin tones reported being targeted more often, especially in workplace settings.
- Symbolic Violence Denied: Many dismissed the existence of “symbolic violation” — the small, systemic ways inequality is reinforced (Creton, 2018).
- Xenophobia vs. Racism: Students often struggled to separate the two. Both were present, but xenophobia — fear or rejection of foreigners — seemed to prevail.
- Systemic Barriers: Country of origin and gender shaped how students were received. Immigrants often felt a strong negative reception that made acculturation harder.
- Internalization: Some students internalized xenophobia or racism, which silently eroded their self-esteem.
- Microaggressions: Experiences of micro-insults, feelings of disrespect, or being subtly excluded were common.
Voices From Students
What struck me most were the personal stories. Here are just a few things participants shared:
- “Swiss people are accepting of foreigners as long as they adhere to the Swiss way of life. There’s a high expectation that Swiss culture should never be silenced by other cultures.”
- “Full immersion is difficult. I’m not really welcome. I’m tolerated — but not accepted.”
- “Even after four years of living here, I’m still on the outside. Definitely, they are very nationalistic. Mostly, it’s just about them.”
- “I find it quite difficult to integrate into the community and into the culture of Switzerland when you are an expat or if you’re not from Switzerland.”
These words stayed with me. They reveal not open hostility, but something quieter — and in many ways, more difficult to navigate. Being “tolerated” but not truly welcomed creates a sense of disconnection, of always being on the outside looking in.
The Mental Health Impact
The consequences of these experiences are significant. When students face rejection — whether overt or subtle — they often feel isolated, anxious, and undervalued. Over time, this can impact not only their studies, but their overall wellbeing.
From my own research, I found that many students also turned to coping strategies such as alcohol, drugs, or overeating as a way to deal with the stress of discrimination and exclusion. These may provide temporary relief, but in the long run, they often create even greater mental health challenges.
This pattern is reflected in wider research as well: studies show that discrimination and racism are linked to higher rates of substance use, emotional distress, and even physical health issues. The constant pressure of microaggressions, covert xenophobia, or feeling “tolerated but not accepted” wears down resilience and increases the risk of depression, burnout, and self-destructive behaviors.
It’s not just about fitting in socially. It’s about identity, belonging, and self-worth. And when those are under constant pressure, mental health suffers in ways both visible and hidden.
Why We Need to Talk About This
Switzerland is, in many ways, a wonderful place to live. But pretending these issues don’t exist doesn’t make them disappear. If anything, silence makes them stronger.
By bringing these hidden struggles into the open, we can:
- Acknowledge the lived realities of immigrants and students of color.
- Create safer and more inclusive spaces where they feel valued.
- Recognize that discrimination, racism, and xenophobia are not just “social problems” — they are mental health problems.
Moving Forward
My research confirmed what many already know in their hearts: you can feel safe, comfortable, and even privileged in Switzerland — and still feel unwelcome. Addressing this reality requires not only systemic changes, but also open conversations and a willingness to listen.
Because mental health isn’t just shaped by what’s inside us — it’s deeply affected by the world around us, and by the way others treat us.
A Gentle Call to Action
If you are part of a university, a workplace, or a community in Switzerland (or anywhere, really), take time to listen. Notice the small ways people may feel excluded. Challenge stereotypes when they arise. And above all, do not assume — about someone’s story, their background, or their feelings. Instead, ask for clarification, and be mindful. Sometimes even a small word, a casual remark, or a passing suggestion can touch someone in ways we cannot imagine.