Health care in Canada: Mental health and well-being support for newcomers
Video: Your mental health and well-being
Your mental health is important. Learn about some common symptoms of emotional struggles, activities that can contribute to positive mental health, and where you can get help as a newcomer.
This video is also available in HD on YouTube.
Mental health refers to how we think, feel and behave. It’s an important part of our overall health.
You can get help if you or someone you know is experiencing
- stress
- anxiety
- depression
- family or gender-based violence
- mental illness
- addiction or substance use problems
- any other mental health problem
On this page, you can find information on how to
- get help with a mental health crisis
- get help managing your mental health and well-being when settling in Canada
- find other mental health resources
Get help with a mental health crisis
If you think you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, please
- contact your doctor
- go to your nearest hospital
- call a local crisis line
- find resources at your local service provider organization
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 911 or go to your nearest hospital.
If you are thinking of suicide, or you think someone else may be, there is help. Call the Canada Suicide Prevention Service any time, day or night, for free at 1-833-456-4566 (in Quebec: 1-866-277-3553).
Get help managing your mental health and well-being when settling in Canada
Settling in a new country can be exciting and challenging. Settlement service providers can offer support that can include:
- providing information about your community
- connecting you with local people who can help with your transition
- providing non-clinical mental health and well-being support
- referring you to community health services
Find a settlement service provider organization near you.
Take care of your mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an unprecedented rise in mental distress. Learn how to take care of your mental health and access resources that can help manage fear, stress and worry.
Get connected with Wellness Together Canada for mental health and substance use support, resources, and counselling with mental health professionals. This initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.
Get help managing your mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Family and gender-based violence
Everyone has the right to live free from violence. Many people across Canada face violence every day because of their
- gender
- gender expression
- gender identity
- perceived gender
Gender-based violence is a violation of human rights.
Family violence is any abuse adults or children experience in their families or homes.
All provinces and territories in Canada have crisis lines for those experiencing family or gender-based violence.
Addiction and substance use problems
Problematic substance use happens when someone uses drugs or alcohol in a harmful way that has negative effects on their health and life.
Get help with problematic substance use.
Kids Help Phone
Children aged 5 or more and young adults up to 29 years of age can call the Kids Help Phone and get confidential care from professional counsellors any time, day or night, for free at 1-800-668-6868 (toll-free) or text connect to 686868.
Access Kids Help Phone resources for newcomer youth.
Other mental health resources
There are many other resources in Canada to help you manage your mental health and well-being.
Learn about:
- Your mental health, how to improve it and the resulting benefits
- Mental illnesses and how to manage them
- Taking care of your mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic
- Family and gender-based violence
- Addiction and substance use problems
- Kids Help Phone
- Mental health organizations in Canada
- Surviving being a newcomer by yourself in Canada
Mental health organizations in Canada
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