Why Listen To This Episode

By listening to today's episode I want you to come away feeling prepared for what it is like when you arrive in Canada, I want you to be aware of the mental health struggles new comers often face, and I want you to have some practical ideas that will help you keep going.

The Inspiration:

Article on CBC: They Came To Canada for their dreams. Instead they found a mental health nightmare.

The byline says it all: "Process of rebuilding a life can lead to frustration and loss of self-esteem, experts say"

Short summary: Among other things, article highlights the mismatch between a newcomer's expectations about coming to Canada and the reality they find.

The result: mental health challenges you never thought you would have to deal with, like great frustration, depression, and isolation.

When I read this article over break, it made me feel so sad and like I we, as a country, can do so much better to help our immigrant population succeed.

If you're struggling today, I hope this episode resonates with you, and gives you hope.

Important Quotes from article:

The stresses caused by the upheaval of moving to a new country — and the often huge chasm between what immigrants are led to expect about life in Canada and the reality — can lead to depression, frustration and a loss of self-esteem, according to experts.

My Reactions:

• My wife and I have seen this happening first hand.
• One set of friends: Certified electrician in his home country, but here could not find work in his field. Had to re-certify. Ended up moving.
• Another set of friends: both are engineers in their home country, but here they cannot work in their field. Thankfully, they are pushing ahead.

Diminishing self-worth:

"[One of the causes of a deteriorating mental health is ...] diminishing self-worth. As part of the immigration process, people are considered based on their training and employment history in their country of origin, and they have the expectation of getting a similar job in Canada. But once they arrive, they often find it very hard to use their previous experience and educational credentials." - Iqbal Chowdhury 

Personal Experience

• I know it's not the same as being a new immigrant. I had great advantage because Canada is my home country, but the length of time it took me to find work after arriving in Canada again totally knocked my self-esteem down and often made us question our choice to move to Canada. It was a very difficult, dark, and discouraging time.

How To Deal With This

• First, you're not alone! if you're struggling right now, please know you're not alone. Important to know because this experience tends to make you feel alone, isolated and like you're the only one dealing with it. You're not!
• Second: Relationships Matter! Focus on developing relationships. Your friendships can help you make it in Canada, and a lack of them can hold you back or make it so you give up. But building relationships is something under your control! So step out and connect at every opportunity you can.
• Third: Look for employment agencies! If you're struggling to find work, don't go at it alone.

Helpful Link: Worklink Employment Society

Mentioned in this episode:

Free Newcomer Support Resource Page

Find a growing list of resources designed to help newcomers to Canada find work, develop skills, and become an established member of their community. Totally free. No e-mail required to view and use this resource.

Free Newcomer Support Resources