Is it Okay if I’m not, Okay? Support for South Asian Newcomers
Written by Alicia Tahal and Shivika Adhwaryu, CarePoint Health staff
Maybe it’s the first snowfall or the cold wind hitting your neck when you realize you’re far from home.
Leaving behind everything familiar to start a new journey can be both exciting and scary. The dream of a “better life” is told time after time. But are things better?
“For many years, there was a narrative that Canada meant a better opportunity and better life, only recently, are we beginning to unpack the complex realities new immigrants and international students face. Systemic barriers, cultural stigmas, and deeply rooted traditional beliefs within South Asian communities often prevent individuals from seeking the support they need," says Amandeep Kaur, CEO of Punjabi Community Health Services (PCHS).
To break down challenges faced by South Asian newcomers and connect more people to culturally responsive services, CarePoint Health teamed up with Punjabi Community Health Services (PCHS) and Indus Community Services to discuss newcomer mental health and well-being in South Asian communities.
Punjabi Community Health Services
PCHS provides a wide range of free and confidential services including employment preparation, youth programs, senior support, short-term counseling, and help with forms – all available in 17 languages including English, Arabic, Armenian, Dari, Farsi, Pashto, French, German, Hindi, Italian, Punjabi, Spanish, Turkish, Ukrainian, Russian, Urdu, and Tagalog.
Indus Community Services
Indus delivers comprehensive newcomer support including Language Instruction Training (LINC), childcare, employment assistance, international student services, 2SLGTBQ+ support, entrepreneurship programs, and guidance on healthcare and housing – with all services provided free of charge in English, Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi, Arabic and Tamil.
Ontario Structured Psychotherapy
OSP provides free mental health support ranging from one-on-one self-led coaching with trained professionals by phone, virtual, or in-person sessions, multilingual therapists, self-help resources like guided readings and workbooks, and specialized group therapy sessions for South Asian women.
Barriers to Being New
Arriving in a new country can be overwhelming. Navigating unfamiliar systems, searching for housing and employment - while also taking care of your health – is no small feat.
Here are just some of the things you might experience:
- Housing: When you start searching for housing, you’re met with barriers such as: “You don’t make enough money,” “You need to pay six months’ rent,” or “Bring a guarantor.”
- Education: If you came as a student and managed to afford the large international student fees, you may be thinking the hardest part is behind you. Only to be told you lack “Canadian experience.”
- Healthcare: You fall sick and face challenges accessing healthcare due to the complexities of insurance and eligibility, along with confusion on where to go for care.
"For newcomers and international students, it often feels like they face overwhelming challenges. They have to manage housing, work, school, and a maze of paperwork and regulations, on top of that, there's the added pressure to succeed and figure everything out on their own, especially since many South Asian families emphasize the importance of success, education, and stability while viewing struggle or reaching out for help as a sign of weakness," explains Gurpreet S. Malhotra, Chief Executive Officer at Indus Community Services.
Aunty & uncle will talk, let them
Many times, family back home may not know the hurdles you’re facing or the feelings that come from being away from them. South Asian families shy away from sharing difficult feelings because the cultural belief is that you must put your head down and work hard to succeed. The reality is that newcomers are working very hard but may not realize that asking for help is a sign of strength and resilience.
To help newcomers integrate into Canadian society, PCHS offers several community-focused programs and services to newcomers, permanent residents (PR), Canadian citizens, international students, work permit holders, live-in caregivers, and convention/refugee claimants to Canada. Learn more.
Our tip: Let go of what any aunty, uncle, nani, chacha or mausi will think and ask for help. You will be better because of it and be able to support others (family and friends) as well.
Who packed the cultural baggage?
We also know being a newcomer or an international student is particularly tough. Being miles away from home, family, and familiar comforts can be scary and overwhelming. You may struggle to navigate a complex educational system, deal with cultural adjustments, housing issues, and feelings of isolation.
Don’t forget the added cultural baggage that somehow made it to Canada with you. It can weigh a ton on your mind, make you fearful to ask for help and create unrealistic pressure on what success looks like.
Indus helps international students, newcomers, permanent residents (PR), Canadian citizens, and work permit holders find community and connection through culturally responsive programs and services.
Our tip: Try to treat cultural baggage and family pressure like Canadian souvenirs and chocolate – send it back home and out of your mind. While this is easier said than done, it’s important to acknowledge the positive and negative influence culture plays in our lives and connect with others who understand what you’re going through.
Drama isn’t just for Bollywood
Classic movies like Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham or Dil Chata Hai tell stories of struggle, triumph and love. We root for the characters, we feel their stories, but strangely enough, we don’t show ourselves the same grace and compassion.
It can be exciting, scary, difficult, and exhilarating to come to a new country. All these emotions and feelings can co-exist in the same space. And, regardless of the country you come from – culture plays a significant role in our mental health and well-being.
The Ontario Structured Psychotherapy Program (OSP) provides free mental health support to international students, newcomers, permanent residents (PR), Canadian citizens, and work permit holders who are 18+ and live in Ontario. We serve Brampton, Halton, and Mississauga regions but can help you connect to programs in your region. Another great thing about this program is that you don’t need an OHIP or IFH card or a doctor's referral. All you need to do is fill out the intake form.
Our tip: It’s ok, if you’re not okay. Life is dramatic with highs and lows. Taking care of yourself is not selfish or shameful. Seeking support for your mental health is just as important as seeking help for your physical health.
Video: Sandy, hamare OSP therapist se samjhe ye therapy ke fayde | Sandy, our OSP therapist, explains the benefits of therapy in Hindi.
Working Together to Support You
We understand that being a newcomer is not easy. The challenges vary greatly depending on whether it’s your first month, your first year or you’ve lived here for a few years.
The good thing is that organizations like PCHS, Indus, and CarePoint Health work together to support the mental health and well-being of newcomers. We encourage you to reach out or share this blog post with family and friends who could benefit from any of these programs or services.
