Immigrants arrive in Canada with stronger mental health than their Canadian-born counterparts. This is also called the Healthy Immigrant Effect. This phenomenon however starts to decline with time.

A report released by the Canadian Mental Health Organisation says that newcomers report significantly higher levels of anxiety and depression compared with those born in Canada, according to a new study – and are much less likely to seek help for their mental health challenges. Experts say that rebuilding a new life from scratch in a new country with unfamiliar settings can be stressful and lead to frustration and loss of self-esteem.

Various factors take a toll on the mental health of an immigrant such as

A fake Candian dream.

In many cases, immigrants are often sold a Canadian dream by the consultants back in their home country which is far from the reality. Because they don’t do their research they are unaware of the reality and believe whatever they are being told. Once they reach here they realize that the reality is different than the expectations they had. They are often left disheartened and disappointed.

High cost of living

Because of skyrocketing inflation and lack of affordable housing in Canada. Immigrants struggle to afford necessities like a place to live and food to eat. According to Statistics Canada, immigrants are much more likely to report food insecurity, meaning they are unable to afford healthy, nutritious food because of financial constraints.

The ability to afford housing was also cited as a major source of anxiety. More than 39 percent of the respondents who have been in Canada for fewer than five years reported high levels of concern about paying rent or mortgage.

Discrimination

Immigrants are not prepared for the discrimination that comes their way when they move to a different country. When it comes to opportunities sometimes Canadians will be preferred over migrants.

They might be mocked by their Canadian counterparts for their culture and would feel alienated. Sometimes they would feel unseen and unheard and would struggle with the concept of identity or where they belong. This affects their self-esteem and might end up leaving them questioning their worth.

Finding a job

Immigrants migrate here hoping to get a job and with the ongoing recession getting a field job seems like a distant dream They struggle to navigate the tumultuous job market.

Sometimes their qualifications don’t match the requirements of what they need in Canada. Hence some immigrants are forced to work as unskilled labour. Sometimes they are asked for Canadian experience or reference which immigrants rarely have. The uncertainty of how and when will they get a job leaves them anxious and scared. The dream that they saw for themselves is quite different than reality.

Unfamiliarity with the system

Since they have just arrived in a new setting and are often expected to pick up everything quickly and walk with the Canadian population. They feel the pressure which takes a toll on their mental health.

They don’t know who to reach out to during tough times, or what to do. Now that they are here they have invested so much to be here and realize that things are different. It's already too late they feel.

They can’t go back because of the money that they have invested into this and are forced to stay here. So they feel stuck. And because they are not aware of how things work here they struggle with reaching out for the help they need.

Lack of emotional support

Immigrants usually immigrate from their home countries leaving behind their family and friends. Some people have difficulty making friends because they find it difficult to integrate into a new setting and might feel alienated or discriminated against.

To meet their expenses they are forced to work multiple jobs which often leaves them little time for socializing and making friends. And because they don’t have enough friends or family to support them they feel a lack of emotional support.

These are some of the reasons that affect the mental health of immigrants amongst other factors. Over time with strong resilience and determination, they can overcome these challenges but I often wonder at what cost?

Roshita Bajaj

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