Examining the mental health experiences of newcomers
Author
Mental Heath Research Canada
Location
Canada
Context
Mental Health Research Canada (MHRC), with funding from Health Canada, has been collecting, analyzing, and presenting data on the mental health of Canadians. This study on immigrants and refugees set out to answer the following question: What are the mental health indicators and key challenges experienced by newcomers to Canada since April 2020, as compared to the general Canadian population?
Data was collected between April 2020 to May 2023, based on polls taken for MHRC’s national population study. For the newcomers’ report, both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods were used. Responses were gathered from 2,152 foreign-born nationals residing in Canada for less than 15 years. The qualitative information includes interviews with 30 individuals who moved to Canada within the last ten years.
The researchers defined newcomers as immigrants or refugees adapting to life in Canada. The timeframe for defining newcomers was expanded from five or less years, to up to 15 years of residency. They noted that even if a permanent resident lived in Canada for ten years, they can still be considered a newcomer. The sample was divided into two residency timeframes: 5 years or less and 6–15 years.
Findings
- Challenges associated with the social determinants of health, particularly access to affordable housing, gainful employment and livable income are at the root of mental health concerns for most new Canadians. More than half of newcomers (57%) expressed concerns about providing food for their families, compared to 31% of non-newcomers.
- Those fleeing conflict or economic instability experienced guilt for being in Canada. Not only are they dealing with the stress associated with their experiences back home, they also do not think they have the right to have mental health concerns when they were able to get to Canada, while others were not.
- New Canadians (in both timeframes) appear to have a lower percentage of "people to count on," with an average of 36% indicating having support networks, compared to 52% of Canadians. Poor family/friend support systems are also tied to higher incidences of mental health challenges.
- On a scale of 1-10, twenty-seven percent of individuals in the "6-15 years" residency group, self-reported anxiety at 8 or above. Twenty-five percent of those with residency of 5 years or less self-reported anxiety at 8 or above, compared with 22% for Canadian born individuals. Similar findings were found for depression.
- The mental health of those who arrived during the pandemic or those settling at the start of COVID-19 was severely affected due to isolation and travel restrictions.
- Although 11% of newcomers said they needed access to mental health services, they have not done so, compared to only 4% of non-newcomers. Cost is the main barrier.
How does this research apply to my work?
- Helping newcomers address the barriers associated with the social determinants of health is essential for their settlement and integration. As done by service providers, this will include connecting new immigrants and refugees to employment opportunities, supports to address food insecurity and creating avenues for building social and community connections.
- Plan and implement mental health promotion programs and embed in other programs using language framed around wellness. Many, even those who talk about struggling with their mental health, feel their problems are not bad enough to warrant mental health support or there is stigma attached to mental problems/issues.
- Promote resources/services in a variety of ways so newcomers can be aware of what resources are available for them. This can include an anonymous question and answer system.
What should I take away from this research?
Addressing the mental health needs of newcomers to Canada and the barriers associated with the social determinants of health are essential for early identification of issues and, connecting newcomers to appropriate support. Addressing mental health challenges will promote successful settlement, prevent long-term consequences, and enhance the overall health of the public. The findings underscore the need for tailored support programs and interventions to address mental health challenges, improve service accessibility, and alleviate financial burdens related to housing and food security.