A recent study conducted by Mental Health Research Canada reveals that a lack of connections and social support is a common source of mental health issues and depression among new immigrants. The comprehensive study surveyed 2,152 newcomers who had been in Canada for 15 years or less, shedding light on their mental health experiences.
Key findings from the research indicate that approximately half of newcomers are likely to exhibit symptoms of severe mental health distress. The study emphasizes the impact of various factors, including housing instability, food insecurity, and a lack of community support on mental well-being.
The survey highlighted that immigrants reported a lower percentage of “people to count on,” with only 36% indicating they had support networks compared to 52% of Canadians. North Vancouver resident Sheyda Kamran, who moved to Canada from Iran over 13 years ago, shared her struggles with language skills and building relationships, leading to feelings of isolation.
Kamran emphasized the importance of emotional support from friends and the community for newcomers, stating, “Without support, it can be challenging to navigate the struggles and adapt to everything in a new country. This, in turn, may lead to stress and depression.”
Language barriers were identified as a significant challenge, limiting newcomers’ ability to express themselves and contributing to feelings of isolation. The study suggests that immigrants often experience higher levels of loneliness due to the challenges associated with migration.
Rijul Tuteja, a Vancouver resident from India, highlighted the impact of a lack of connection on mental health, emphasizing the fear associated with adapting to a new environment. Tuteja encouraged communication and building friendships outside one’s community to enrich their social experience.
The research underscores that newcomers with family or friends from their home country feel connected to those specific individuals but may struggle to integrate into the broader Canadian community. The absence of such connections may lead to feelings of unwelcome and safety concerns in public places, contributing to stress and depression.
Kamran acknowledged the energy and sacrifice required to build and maintain strong friendships, expressing the challenge of communication when exhausted from facing numerous challenges. The study emphasizes the need for ongoing efforts to support immigrants in building robust social networks, addressing language barriers, and fostering a sense of belonging within the broader community.
