While studies suggest that international students report lower rates of mental health issues compared to their domestic peers, the alarming rise in suicide rates among South Asian international students in Canada tells a different story. Reports indicate a growing incidence of suicide among South Asian students, particularly within the Punjabi community in Canada. The reported lower incidence of mental health challenges may stem from a lack of awareness and a pervasive culture of stigma surrounding mental health in many South Asian communities.
Several factors contribute to the overwhelming pressures faced by these students, including significant financial burdens, inflation, demanding schedules, culture shock, social isolation, discrimination, housing crises, and language barriers. These vulnerable students are profoundly affected by unexpected realities, often leading to severe mental health challenges. The stigma surrounding mental health in South Asia often prevents students from understanding how to seek help.
Many arrive in Canada unprepared and unaware of the complexities of the socio-economic landscape, which can lead to feelings of exhaustion and distress as they attempt to realize their Canadian dream. Unfortunately, Canadian educational institutions and government settlement programs often lack adequate resources to support these students in navigating their mental health struggles. The limited services available frequently fail to be culturally appropriate, inclusive, or sensitive to the diverse backgrounds of South Asian students.
Barriers such as language, ethnicity, and the biases of healthcare providers can further hinder access to mental health support. Additionally, the health insurance plans available to international students typically do not provide sufficient coverage for mental health services. The repercussions of this situation extend beyond academic retention and success; they can lead some students to substance use disorders or even tragic outcomes.
It is imperative that insurance coverage be expanded to include comprehensive mental health support. Institutions should prioritize offering culturally sensitive and accessible counseling services, along with promoting awareness campaigns that educate both students and faculty about mental health issues. Creating safe spaces for open dialogue and regularly checking in on students’ well-being can foster a supportive environment that encourages help-seeking behavior.
Policy Recommendations:
To take meaningful actions to support the mental health of South Asian international students, CASSA recommends the following actions by Government, educational institutes and community partners to be taken so that students feel heard, understood, and supported in their academic journeys.
- Expand Mental Health Insurance Coverage: Ensure comprehensive coverage for therapy, counseling, and emergency mental health services in international student insurance plans.
- Culturally Sensitive Counseling Services: Prioritize funding for culturally appropriate mental health resources, including hiring trained counselors familiar with South Asian experiences.
- Awareness and Education Campaigns: Launch campaigns to educate students, faculties and staff on mental health issues, emphasizing help-seeking and stigma reduction through workshops and informational sessions.
- Create Safe Spaces for Dialogue: Establish environments for open discussions about mental health, including peer support groups and regular check-ins to normalize help-seeking behaviors.
- Improve Accessibility of Services: Provide mental health resources in multiple languages and offer online counseling options to reduce language and stigma barriers.
- Enhance Training for Healthcare Providers: Include cultural sensitivity and recognition of mental distress in training programs for healthcare providers and educators.
- Incorporate Student Feedback: Regularly gather input from international students on mental health services to ensure relevance and effectiveness.
- Foster Community Engagement: Partner with local South Asian organizations to create support networks and resources beyond campus.
- Implement Comprehensive Support Programs: Develop programs addressing broader challenges, such as financial literacy workshops, housing assistance, and social integration initiatives.
