Navigating mental health as a newcomer: A community conversation in Sussex
Moving to a new country is an exciting journey, but it often comes with challenges that can feel overwhelming. From leaving loved ones behind to adjusting to a new culture, many newcomers experience stress, grief, and even stigma when it comes to talking about mental health.
In August, Just Us partnered with the Multicultural Association of Sussex to host a unique seminar designed specifically for newcomers to Canada. The group session was led by Andrea Jimenez, a counselling intern with Just Us who is completing her MA in Clinical Mental Health Counselling at Kingswood University.
Creating a Space for Connection
Andrea’s session, titled “Navigating Mental Health: Understanding the Impact of Immigration in Canada,” was much more than a seminar—it was a conversation. Seven participants from diverse backgrounds, including Argentina, Peru, El Salvador, Ukraine, Mexico, the Philippines, Georgia, and Europe, came together to share their stories and reflect on their experiences.
The group started with a discussion about why mental health matters, followed by thoughtful questions such as:
“Where does stigma really come from?”
“What is behind the fear of opening up?”
These questions sparked honest conversations about shame, stigma, and the cultural pressures many face. For example, participants spoke about expectations such as “men don’t cry,” or the idea that seeking help might mean a lack of faith. Others described how counselling can sometimes be misunderstood or even dismissed as being “for people who are crazy.”
By bringing these experiences into the open, the group was able to challenge stigma together and build understanding.
Sharing Stories, Building Strength
A highlight of the session was the storytelling exercise. Each participant was invited to share a personal story about overcoming a challenge or a life-changing moment. With guidance from Andrea, participants followed a simple structure—beginning, middle, and resolution—which made it easier to reflect and share.
The room quickly filled with courage and vulnerability. Each person had about seven to eight minutes to tell their story, and after each sharing, the group offered “ultimate positive regard”—a practice of affirming and appreciating one another’s strengths and contributions.
Andrea also introduced the concept of the “circle of control”—a practical tool to help participants focus on what they can influence in their own lives, rather than being weighed down by what is out of their hands. This tool was especially powerful for newcomers navigating the many uncertainties of settling in a new country.
Lessons from the Group
What stood out most from the session was the diversity of perspectives and the common threads that tied them together. Despite coming from different parts of the world, participants found shared struggles in areas like stigma, cultural expectations, and the grief of leaving family and community behind.
One participant even asked, “What even is a support system?”—a reminder that the idea of leaning on others for emotional support is not always familiar, and in some cases, goes against cultural norms. For many, the session became their first opportunity to see how meaningful community support can be in building resilience.
Andrea reflected afterwards that the experience was invaluable, not only for the participants but also for her as a counselling intern.
“Leading this group underscored the important role psychoeducational groups play across different mental health settings,” she shared. “Hearing stories from so many cultural perspectives enriched my own learning and helped me grow as a counsellor.”
Bringing Mental Health to Communities
For Just Us, events like this are at the heart of our mission. We provide free and low-cost counselling services to individuals across New Brunswick, with the goal of reducing stigma, building connection, and empowering people to take the next step in their mental wellness journey.
By partnering with local organizations like the Multicultural Association of Sussex, we’re able to meet people where they are and create spaces where everyone feels welcome—especially those who might face barriers to accessing support.
For interns like Andrea, these opportunities offer hands-on experience in community mental health work, preparing the next generation of counsellors to serve with empathy, cultural sensitivity, and openness.
Looking Ahead
The session in Sussex was just one example of how newcomers can benefit from group-based support that acknowledges both the challenges and strengths of the immigration journey. By sharing stories, breaking down stigma, and learning practical tools, participants walked away with a greater sense of confidence and community connection.
As Just Us continues to expand its outreach, events like these remind us that mental health is not just about individual struggle—it’s about collective resilience. When people come together in safe spaces, healing becomes possible.
Learn more about how you can bring Just Ust to your community to deliver a mental health event or workshop.