How to Stay in Good Mental Health while Studying in Canada as an International Student

Getting caught up in the regular grind of your campus life and the stress of fulfilling all commitments can keep you busy, but don’t let it take a toll on your mental health. So, take a breather in between to unwind and relax. Engage in some nurturing self-care activities, write a journal, take a long stroll in the lap of nature, participate in spiritual rejuvenating practices, or meditate for a while to connect with yourself. Canada offers a variety of exciting retreats to space out and relax. So, choose whatever suits you and make it your priority because you matter!

Sometimes all we need is solitude to dive within ourselves, but breaking out of that shell and interacting with people is like a fresh refreshment. You can participate in local clubs and societies based on your interest and meet-like minded people. You can also choose the option of homestays which allow students to stay with the natives and feel a sense of belonging and security. Hence,  looking after your mental health in Canada is easy with the accessibility of various resources. All you need to do is push your boundaries!

Exploring a place builds a nurturing connection and clears out stagnant energy, and for that, Canada has a variety of recreational options with which student mental health in Canada can be improved. The country has everything from adrenaline-rushed ice hockey and adventure enthusiasts to stunning architecture for art lovers. Also, the buzzing nightlife of the country is an add-on.

In life, the warmth and care of certain connections are irreplaceable, specifically from our loved ones. Just a smile or a text from their end fills up our day with a new ray of hope and motivation. In this era of technology, staying connected with people all around the globe is so easy, so why not utilise it to its maximum potential?  Make it a point to stay connected with your family and friends, be it short texts, video calls, or exchanging tokens of love, don’t miss an opportunity to remain connected!

It’s generally said that pursuing your passions is the best option for improving mental health and well-being, and we often tend to take a lazy approach to this.  The first step is to filter out whatever excites you. It can be anything from dancing to art or getting involved in social work activities in Canada. Your passion will bring you closer to yourself and keep that spark of individuality alive and ignited. Look to the nearest centres catering to your passion and quickly register there!

Universities in Canada understand the importance of international student mental health and have well-placed counselling departments to assist students. Experienced professionals help students in various ways ranging from counselling towards stress management, combating feelings of homesickness and loneliness, guidance towards navigating and adjusting to university life, etc. Therefore, you’ll always have a nurturing support system and a safe place to vent.

Looking after your mental health in Canada should be your utmost priority. Fortunately, Universities in Canada organise meaningful workshops with a prime emphasis on improving mental health and well-being. The workshops are structured around teaching diverse coping strategies and tips for relaxation and developing a conducive mental-health lifestyle etc. From time to time, awareness campaigns are organised, which helps to reduce the stigma around mental health and motivates students to ask for help. Apart from that, overall workshops focus on healthy emotional regulation, maintaining healthy relationships, and much more.

Maintaining good student mental health in Canada is a key priority for universities. For that, various peer mentoring programs, student-led organisations, diverse clubs, and unions are formed. These programs provide safe spaces for students to express themselves and receive advice from mentors and colleagues who have been there. In addition, a variety of interesting activities and processes are done to create awareness and conversations around mental health, enabling them to gain valuable insights about navigating their situations.

Having good international student mental health fosters the educational process of students and indirectly boosts the overall performance of the university as well. Institutions understand the significance of this and host a variety of creative workshops, volunteering programs, and student unions. These initiatives help scholars find a relatable and happy space to vent out and feel productive. So whether you’re working in Canada or busy in your classes, take time out to be a part of these initiatives and boost your mental well-being as well.

To sum up, balancing your mental health and academic goals is crucial. To keep up with that, universities in Canada provide a plethora of resources for improving mental health and well-being so that you have a productive environment while studying. So keep checking up on yourself and remember that a healthy body resides in a healthy mind.

We hope we have provided you with sufficient information about how to stay in good mental health while studying in Canada as an international Student. If you are still unsure or would like to get deeper insight, we encourage you to have a word with our team of expert counsellors at Meridean Overseas Education Consultants (MOEC). If you are unable to travel to our offices, we offer online counselling services via our website. Our dedicated counsellors will provide you with the best guidance regarding your application to study in Canada. Don’t hesitate to contact us at application02@meridean.org or call us at 1800-1230-00011.

Q: What are some strategies for dealing with academic pressure?

A: To combat academic pressure, students can adopt a variety of measures. For instance, you can prioritise your goals, take pauses in between, set reminders for important tasks, and practice time management. These were some tips; you can modify and implement other strategies based on your requirements.

Q: Are there support services for international students dealing with mental health issues?

A: Yes, most universities in Canada have counselling departments in place, mental health workshops are organised from time to time, mental well-being centres are there for emergency purposes, and support groups are available to make students feel at home.

Q: How can I establish a strong support network in Canada?

A: A strong support network is essential to keep feelings of loneliness at bay. Universities in Canada organise various social events, cultural exchange programs, orientation activities, and much more which allow students to build valuable connections. Moreover, students can also find local clubs and volunteering centres in their neighbourhood for social support.

Q: What are some self-care practices that can boost my mental health?

A: There are a variety of activities that students can do depending on their area of interest. One can engage in journaling,  extensive exercise routines, go on mini trips, practise their hobbies, and much more. Mentioned above are some of the self-care practices which students can take. Apart from this, you can find your customisable self-care routines and relax.