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Newcomers
Shelly Bazil-Smith
Shelly Bazil-Smith ·

Dear Newcomers,

Here’s something no one tells you about migration—your mental health will be tested. Migration is more of a mental challenge than anything else. When silence becomes loud, and you feel like the walls are closing in on you. Leaving behind everything familiar is not easy, but you did it. And now, here you are, starting over.

There will be moments when you feel like the spaces you enter weren’t prepared for your arrival. Days of overwhelming regret may come, accompanied by echoes of Why did I do this? You might question your decision, your sanity—even consider going back when months pass without a job.

So, what do you do when this happens? You seek help. You reach out to a friend, a support group, or mental health services here in Canada. You take action to protect your well-being—and you do it as soon as you can.

I always encourage newcomers to start prioritizing their mental health even before arriving in Canada. Find a trusted person to lean on, have someone on speed dial, and be open to the many mental health resources available here.

I’m not listing specific resources because the best support is the one that fits your needs. Simply search Mental Health Help/Services + [your location] on Google, and you’ll find a variety of options with reviews to guide you. Take your time to find the right fit.

Until then, may peace be with you always.

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