This blog was written by MAX Ottawa.
It is often overlooked that the immigration process is ultimately like moving but to another country, and this can create unique and particular challenges to which newcomers must continually adjust and adapt. It is an exciting new chapter in life, but it can quickly become exhausting. That is why our first piece of advice for newcomers is to take your time and take it one step at a time.
In addition to this, we would like to remind our community members of these very simple tips to help them take care of their mental health while they settle down:
Sleep
- Take time to sleep. If you can’t take a nap, make sure you get a good night’s sleep to rest and wake up with enough energy to face a new day.
Belonging
- Keep in touch. Do not hesitate to chat, video chat or call those around you. The bond created with our family and/or friends constitutes a very important support mechanism which allows for a reduction in the feeling of isolation.
Goals
- Create a list of tasks or goals that you are committed to achieving. The point is to keep you motivated. It’s hard to be productive when you are overwhelmed, so you have to be careful not to add stress on yourself, but rather to encourage yourself.
Community Organizations
- Contact a community organization. Several services are offered free of charge by community organizations whose mission it is to facilitate your establishment in Canada.
Newcomers from the LGBT2QIA+ community tend to face a heightened degree of adversity. At MAX Ottawa, our mission is to ensure that the well-being and health of the GBT2Q community are MAXimized. We work diligently with service providers and our community, in order to help the latter take care of their health (mental, physical, sexual, spiritual). For example, as a community organization, we specialize in providing mental health and community health services. These services are free of charge and have been adapted during the pandemic so they can be offered remotely. Wherever you are, please write to us or visit our website and social media (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter). You are not alone.
