Our communities are culturally diverse. We know that mental health and substance use problems affect everyone, regardless of their background, culture or ethnicity, but current mental health and substance use services may not be able to respond to the diverse needs of our community members. While some services are underway, we still need to increase our awareness of cultural factors so we can help all community members equally.
Culture, Mental Health, and Substance Use
Our communities are culturally diverse. Mental health and substance use problems affect everyone, regardless of where they live or their cultural background, but current mental health and substance use services may not always respond to the diverse needs of our community members.
Beyond Loneliness
When Amie's mother came to Canada from the Philippines, her mother become lonely and depressed. Without her social connections and experiencing difficulties with culture shock and the English language, she struggled to find independence and a new community. This experience deeply affected Amie, and she founded Beyond the Conversation, an organization that brings together seniors, new immigrants, refugees, international students, and youth.
Gambling Fun or Gambling Pain?
In Chinese communities particularly, games and gambling are viewed as a social opportunity, and many of Irene’s clients say they weren’t aware that gambling can have negative consequences. Irene shares her advice for family members who are concerned about gambling so family members can work together towards recovery.
Our communities are culturally diverse. Mental health and substance use problems affect everyone,…
Visions article: Immigrants’ Mental Health
How the Changeways program can help
Irene Tang, RCC
Reprinted from the Recovery: Living Your Bestish Life issue of Visions Journal, 2022 Read more
