Taking Care of Your Mental Health: A Practical Guide for Newcomers
May is Mental Health Awareness Month in Canada—a time to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and remind everyone that mental health matters.
What is Mental Health?
Mental health is about how we think, feel, and act. It affects how we handle stress, relate to others, and make decisions. Just like physical health, everyone has mental health, and taking care of it is important at every stage of life.
Having good mental health doesn’t mean you’re always happy. It means you can cope with everyday problems, recover from setbacks, and enjoy life in a meaningful way.
Why Rest Matters and Tips for Mental and Physical Rest
One way to care for your mental health is through “active rest.” I once heard this advice, “When you work with your brain (mind), you should rest with your hands. And vice versa.” This simple idea can help you feel more balanced, especially when life in a new country feels stressful.
If your day is full of thinking, like studying, job searching, or learning English, your brain gets tired. A good way to rest is by doing something physical and creative with your hands, such as cooking your favourite dish, gardening, organizing your space, drawing, or knitting.
If your work is physically demanding, you can stretch, take short naps, and take warm baths to rest your body. Also consider some activities to keep your mind active, such as reading, watching light-hearted shows, writing a journal, listening to music or a podcast, doing puzzles, playing card games, spending quiet time in nature, practicing meditation, or connecting with family or friends.
This balance helps prevent burnout and keeps your mind and body feeling refreshed.
Where to Get Help
Sometimes, life can feel stressful or overwhelming. As a newcomer, you might face challenges like culture shock, trouble with language, missing home, or the stress of finding a job and a place to live. Many people are afraid to speak up due to shame or stigma. But remember, seeking help is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign of strength and hope.
The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) offers valuable resources and quizzes that can help you gain a deeper understanding of mental health. By exploring these tools, you can find effective strategies to support yourself and others on the journey to mental well-being.
Here are some helpful resources when you feel like you need support:
- Talk to your doctor or visit a local clinic.
- Find your local Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) branch to access mental health resources.
- Call or text 988 for a free, 24/7 suicide crisis helpline.
- Ask your settlement worker or visit the YMCA GTA Newcomer Information Centre for referrals to mental health services.
This May, take a moment to check in with yourself—and remember, it’s okay to ask for help.
