What are some of the factors that impact mental health among immigrant workers?
• There are a number of factors that can increase immigrant workers’ risk of depression or other mental health disorders and the likelihood that they will successfully access appropriate diagnosis and treatment. These include: • Lack of mental health literacy: Workers coming from other countries may lack knowledge about the prevalence, signs and treatments for mental health disorders or how to access appropriate assessment and care within the Canadian system. • Stigma: The negative judgment associated with having a mental health disorder is particularly pronounced in some cultures; thus preventing impacted individuals or caregivers from seeking help. • Language or cultural barriers: Mental health resources need to be available in ways that are sensitive to the educational, ethnic and religious beliefs of diverse populations. This includes availability of translation services to facilitate communication. • Unemployment/underemployment: The stresses created by the necessity of holding mu
