If you’re an international student in high school, college, or university, you may not realize how courageous your journey is. Many of you left home, perhaps for the first time, to experience the joys and pitfalls of independent living. We learn a great deal from students and young people in India, China and other places who are preparing for this transition. The palpable excitement of what lies ahead often overshadows the reality of the invisible burdens they will carry as international students in Canada, specifically with their mental health.

Celebrating your Courage

Central to the founding of Shanti Psychotherapy were stories my father shared with me about his experience as an international student in the 1960s. He left India with great expectations placed on him by his parents, who told him he was “lucky” to have the opportunity to study abroad. He carried not only his dreams of a bright future but also the hopes of lifting his family out of poverty.

In today’s world, glossy brochures and curated social media posts will fill you with great hope and excitement. Your dreams of academic success, personal growth and the chance to build a better future for yourself and your family may mirror those of my father’s many decades ago. Choosing to study abroad is an act of bravery, fuelled by the dreams of generations. Not only are your ambitions valid, but they are also very courageous.

The Bursting Bubble

My father’s stories reflected not just the thrill of being at a pivotal point in his life, but also the hardships that accompanied it. His bubble of excitement burst after starting life as an international student in Canada. He experienced the grief and pain of homesickness. The chilling numbness of long winters impacted him both physically and emotionally. In those days, hardly anyone in his class looked or spoke like him. He struggled to understand and keep up with lectures in his second language. The sharp edges of racism were never far, and they cut into his self-confidence deeply. He felt isolated and woke up each morning to the stress of wanting to succeed not just for himself, but for everyone back home. Those invisible burdens never left him.

International students often describe the moment their bubble burst in the weeks and months after arrival. Many are not prepared for how emotionally challenging it can be to leave a collectivist culture, where family is everything and suddenly try to build a life alone.

Invisible Burdens Carried By International Students

These invisible burdens can have a significant impact on the mental health of international students. You might find it challenging to make friends and experience a sense of community and belonging. Feelings of anxiety, sadness, or lack of motivation are common. The stress of academic pressure and fear of failing can make it impossible to get out of bed some mornings. Changes in sleep patterns, appetite, or concentration are signs that your mental well-being needs attention.

Research indicates that international students often report higher levels of loneliness, anxiety, and stress than their domestic counterparts. A national survey of Canadian post-secondary students found that 95% reported feeling overwhelmed, and 86% experienced depression. International students, in particular, were more likely to report feelings of isolation and had lower academic performance compared to their domestic peers.

While others may not “see” the invisible burdens you carry, they are real, and they are more common than you think. Additionally, you are not alone in your feelings. Asking for mental health help can feel like a taboo subject; however, acknowledging your challenges does not make you weak. This can become your next act of bravery and courage on this journey, as supporting your mental health will ultimately benefit your physical health and academic success. Everybody needs help, and just like my father’s story, you can succeed and thrive.

Getting Support

Fortunately for you, the world has changed since my father’s time as an international student. Many institutions offer counselling services, academic advising, and have dedicated support for international students. Connecting with peer networks, joining clubs, or participating in community events can help build relationships and reduce feelings of isolation. Engaging in therapy or counselling can provide coping strategies and emotional support tailored to your unique experiences. Typically, students who receive a few therapy sessions report finding quick relief and improvement in their academic pursuits, friendships and relationships.

This topic is of such importance to us that we offer courses specifically designed for institutional educators and staff to address the mental health needs of international students. This allows them to understand and guide you, and refer you to resources for support. You can reach out to them without hesitation as they care about your well-being and success.

At Shanti Psychotherapy, we’ve built a space where your story is honoured. Here, we see the invisible weight you carry as an international student, and where the healing can begin, without shame, and with deep respect for your resilience. We offer culturally responsive care that acknowledges the complexities of transitioning to life in Canada. Many of our therapists were international students themselves. Their lived experiences make us uniquely attuned to your realities. We, too, have lived abroad and away from family. Like you, we went through the process of adjusting to a new culture. We also carried extra burdens while trying to focus on academic success.

Your journey matters. Your well-being matters. We honour your experiences and are here for you.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, visit our website: www.shantipsychotherapy.ca