Why it’s so hard to for second-gen immigrants to admit, “I’m not okay”
May is mental health awareness month in the U.S. and Canada, so I want to honour the occasion by raising awareness about the particular mental health challenges of many second-gen immigrants.
The experience of being a second-generation immigrant is complicated, with a blend of cultural influences, expectations, and pressures from both the original immigrant culture and the mainstream culture of the country they reside in. As a result, second-generation immigrants often face specific challenges when it comes to expressing their emotions and admitting, “I’m not okay.” Here are a few reasons why:
Cultural Expectations: Many immigrant communities place a strong emphasis on resilience, self-sufficiency, and maintaining a positive image. The message is, “You have to be strong/confident/successful no matter what.” Second-generation immigrants may feel pressure to uphold these cultural values and may fear that admitting they are not okay could be perceived as weakness or failure. They may worry about disappointing their families or community, or they may fear being judged or stigmatized.
Dual Identity Struggles: Second-generation immigrants often navigate between two cultures—the culture of their parents' homeland and the culture of the country they were born or raised in. This balancing act can create feelings of confusion, identity conflict, and a sense of not fully belonging to either culture. They can feel lost. As a result, they may internalize the expectation to be strong and resilient, suppressing their true feelings in order to maintain a sense of identity and belonging.
Fear of Burdening Others: Second-generation immigrants may feel reluctant to burden their parents or other family members with their struggles. They may perceive their parents as having sacrificed a great deal to provide them with opportunities and fear that admitting their difficulties would add to their parents' worries or disappointments. This sense of responsibility can make it harder for them to open up about their own challenges.
Lack of Awareness and Support: In some cases, second-generation immigrants may not have adequate awareness or understanding of mental health issues or available support systems. There might be cultural or generational gaps that prevent them from recognizing or seeking help for their emotional well-being.
If you’re a second-gen immigrant, here are some things you can do to address these challenges:
Find a culturally-sensitive therapist: Seek out mental health professionals who have experience working with immigrant communities and understand the unique challenges faced by second-generation immigrants. They can provide culturally sensitive care and better address your specific needs. (All the therapists at Oat Straw Collective provide culturally sensitive therapy).
Insurance coverage: Check your health insurance policy to see what mental health services are covered. Most insurance companies cover Registered Psychotherapists, which is the qualification of all the therapists here at Oat Straw Collective. f you're unsure, reach out to your insurance provider for clarification on coverage for therapy.
School resources: If you are a student, explore mental health resources available at your school or university. Many educational institutions have counseling centers that offer free or low-cost therapy sessions for students. Students who have health insurance through their school can also access therapy that is covered by their insurance plan.
Support networks: Connect with others who share similar experiences as second-generation immigrants. Online communities, support groups, or local organizations can provide a sense of belonging and understanding, along with opportunities to share and learn from others' experiences.
Advocate for yourself: If you encounter barriers or challenges while seeking mental health care, or if you don’t feel you’re getting the right support, don't hesitate to advocate for yourself. Speak up about your needs, reach out to organizations or professionals who can assist you, and persist in finding the support you require.
