You may be reading this blog in your room, at a library, on the bus or even at a comfy cafe. Take a moment and look at the people around you. How many of them come from different cultural backgrounds than you? You may see various people from different ethnicities and cultures. Some who may identify as immigrants or refugees. This is because Canada is a multicultural country, the land of immigrants which welcomes immigrants and refugees globally.
The rise of global catastrophes has led to an increase in immigration worldwide. During the last year, over 20,000 refugees seeking asylum, destined to Canada. This increase in immigration population gives rise to the importance of supporting the mental health and well-being of the immigrant population.
The rise of global catastrophes has led to an increase in immigration worldwide. During the last year, over 20,000 refugees seeking asylum, destined to Canada. This increase in immigration population gives rise to the importance of supporting the mental health and well-being of the immigrant population.
You may wonder why is the mental health of immigrants important? Have they not come to Canada where they can live peacefully away from political, social and economic conflicts. The answer lies in the understanding of mental health. In our society, there is a misconception that mental health means the absence of mental illness. However, that is not the case. The World Health Organization defines mental health as a state of well being, which individuals can regulate everyday stress, find their potential and contribute to their community (2014). Often immigrants and refugees face barriers after resettlement and have issues contributing to their community and reaching their core potential. Thus, designing and enforcing research and initiatives on appropriate mental health programs for immigrants and aiding them in the settlement is necessary.
Most studies have emphasized the influence of family and individual factors that contribute to immigrants well-being and there has been little focus on the influence of social structures and institutions. In a study by Hilario et al,. (2018), the social context of mental health and well-being of immigrant men in Canada was investigated. 33 participants (male, 15-22) who identified as refugees or immigrants were recruited and chose to participate in group or individual interviews. The interviews were not constructed and were in form of conversations.
The analysis of the data identified three themes (a better life, living the (immigrant) dream, starting again from way below) with the central theme of experiencing second-class citizenship. The focus of examing the data was based on the link between social context, immigration experiences and mental health.
Findings
Canada is a multicultural country that welcomes people from all across the globe. However, that this does not mean that immigrants experience the same citizenship as other Canadians. Visible minorities in the study reported feeling discrimination, profiling and they were often deskilled of their education or credentials. They often felt like they needed to prove that they are worthy of staying in Canada and have the same rights as non-immigrant Canadians. It is clear that although we have progressed in history and have become less bias to other backgrounds we still have a far way to go. This calls for a new understanding of citizenship as Hilario et al., states "new citizenship practices that transcend the nation-state by being collectively guaranteed, inalienable, globally portable and attached to the person"(2018). Thus, resulting in a decrease low mental health ratings by immigrants and a feeling of equality that gives rise to their well being.
Hilario, C. T., Oliffe, J. L., Wong, J. P., Browne, A. J., & Johnson, J. L. (2018). "Just as Canadian as anyone
else"? experience of second-class citizenship and the mental health of young immigrant refugee men in
American Journal of Men's Health, 12(2), 210-220
doi:http://dx.doi.org.proxy1.lib.uwo.ca/10.1177/1557988317743384
Most studies have emphasized the influence of family and individual factors that contribute to immigrants well-being and there has been little focus on the influence of social structures and institutions. In a study by Hilario et al,. (2018), the social context of mental health and well-being of immigrant men in Canada was investigated. 33 participants (male, 15-22) who identified as refugees or immigrants were recruited and chose to participate in group or individual interviews. The interviews were not constructed and were in form of conversations.
The analysis of the data identified three themes (a better life, living the (immigrant) dream, starting again from way below) with the central theme of experiencing second-class citizenship. The focus of examing the data was based on the link between social context, immigration experiences and mental health.
Findings
Canada is a multicultural country that welcomes people from all across the globe. However, that this does not mean that immigrants experience the same citizenship as other Canadians. Visible minorities in the study reported feeling discrimination, profiling and they were often deskilled of their education or credentials. They often felt like they needed to prove that they are worthy of staying in Canada and have the same rights as non-immigrant Canadians. It is clear that although we have progressed in history and have become less bias to other backgrounds we still have a far way to go. This calls for a new understanding of citizenship as Hilario et al., states "new citizenship practices that transcend the nation-state by being collectively guaranteed, inalienable, globally portable and attached to the person"(2018). Thus, resulting in a decrease low mental health ratings by immigrants and a feeling of equality that gives rise to their well being.
Hilario, C. T., Oliffe, J. L., Wong, J. P., Browne, A. J., & Johnson, J. L. (2018). "Just as Canadian as anyone
else"? experience of second-class citizenship and the mental health of young immigrant refugee men in
American Journal of Men's Health, 12(2), 210-220
doi:http://dx.doi.org.proxy1.lib.uwo.ca/10.1177/1557988317743384
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