How Do Culturally and Racially Marginalised (CaRM) Populations in Australia Cope with the Mental Health Impacts from “New Racism”? A Qualitative Descriptive Study

<b>Background:</b> Australia's increasingly multicultural landscape has seen a rise in culturally and linguistically diverse populations, many of whom face subtle and systemic forms of discrimination known as "new racism". <b>Objective:</b> Underpinned by a person-centred and holistic framework, which recognises individuals as experts in their own lived experiences and emphasises strength-based, culturally situated understandings of well-being, this paper reports on a study that explores how culturally and racially marginalised diverse people in Australia cope with the mental health impacts of new racism. <b>Design:</b> A qualitative descriptive approach was employed in this study. <b>Participants:</b> Thirty participants from ten culturally and linguistically diverse communities participated in eight focus groups, providing rich insights into their lived experiences. <b>Methods:</b> Data were collected through semi-structured focus-group interviews conducted between March and June 2025. Data were analysed using Braun and Clarke' method of thematic analysis. <b>Results:</b> Thematic analysis revealed four key coping strategies: (1) acceptance of immutable identity traits to foster resilience, (2) emotional ventilation within culturally safe spaces, (3) self-growth and empowerment through reflection and adaptive practices, and (4) assertive responses to racism when necessary. While some participants reported psychological distress, many demonstrated resilience and resourcefulness, challenging deficit-based assumptions often found in the existing literature. Findings underscore the importance of culturally responsive mental healthcare, including peer support, emotional safe spaces, and strength-based interventions. <b>Conclusions:</b> This study offers a holistic understanding of how culturally and racially marginalised people cope with new racism and its mental health impacts. The findings highlight the critical need for person-centred, culturally responsive, and equity-focused mental health support, providing actionable guidance for nursing practice and policy development.