A Cultural Perspective on Mental Health Support in BC

It is often difficult to verbalize my experiences as an international student. The most synonymous experience that comes into memory was walking into my university’s buffet-style cafeteria and trying to make sense of the unfamiliar dishes while everyone else breezed past me with their choices already in mind. The same theory can be applied to mental health. For many of us, it is not so much about how we feel, but about how we have been taught to think about what it means to feel “not okay.” In some cultures, the community itself is the safety net. This reigns true as my family back home served as a support for me, and I only realized this once the journey in British Columbia began. But in Western spaces, the approach is very different. It is heavily interwoven with personal responsibility which can sometimes feel isolating or just plain awkward for non-Westerners.

For some time, I did not quite know how to navigate it. What do you do when you are overwhelmed but the kind of support you need does not seem to exist? In these moments, I often reminisced on support that felt familiar to me, like late-night talks with my sisters or game nights with my family when they sensed that I needed it. These memories reinforced the lack of support I felt upon arrival in a seemingly different universe. Having conversations with other international students has let me know that although our experiences vary, the cultural disparity leaves a lot of students struggling to relate to current mental health service systems or hinders them from seeking support altogether.

Universities can address these challenges by fostering culturally inclusive mental health support. Step one? Recognize that all cultures have their unique perspectives and avoid grouping  all international students as one. We come from all corners of the world and have unique experiences to bring to British Columbia. We have stories to share just as much as the next person. I have found that just talking to another student who “gets it” can be a huge relief, thus reinforcing the need for cultural sensitivity amongst counselors so that these comforting feelings can translate into professional care. Sometimes it’s the little things that make a difference, and I know it is not impossible because I have seen universities get it right. Although I know it is a trial-and-error process, diversifying mental health options without making anyone feel pressured to fit into one box is possible. Universities that offer variety, not to dilute care itself but to ensure everyone has a path to healing often breed the best students. It is imperative to remember that cultural understanding does not have an endpoint, so a reform of mental health care is necessary as British Columbia becomes more diverse.