Since last year, my journey began when I left my country and my family after the war in 2024 and came to live with my sister in Québec. As an English speaker in a mostly French-speaking environment, I often felt even more isolated, as even simple daily tasks became stressful and overwhelming.
The beginning was not easy. Everything around me was unfamiliar: the language, the harsh winter, and the people. I didn’t know anyone, and this deeply affected my mental health. I felt fear, loneliness, and confusion almost every day.
The first month was the hardest. I was afraid to go outside because of the cold, and winter made everything feel heavier. I remember missing the bus once and crying because I didn’t know what to do. Another time, I took the wrong bus and ended up far from the city. In those moments, I felt completely lost and alone.
At first, I was very hard on myself. I thought I was failing because I couldn’t adapt quickly. But slowly, I began to understand what self-compassion means. I realized that it is okay to feel lost, and that adjusting to a new life takes time. Instead of blaming myself, I started treating myself with patience and kindness.
I began taking small steps to take care of my mental health. I explored the city on my own, discovered new streets, walked every day, and spent time reading. These simple self-care activities helped me feel calmer and more grounded.
One of the most important turning points was connecting with the community. I started volunteering, which helped me meet people and feel less alone. It reminded me that even in a new place, support and kindness exist.
Later, I began working at Walmart, which helped me integrate more into society, build connections, and improve my confidence. Over time, I started to feel like I belong and that I have a new kind of family here.
This journey has taught me that mental health is deeply connected to our sense of belonging and the people around us. It has also taught me resilience, the strength to keep going, even when things feel uncertain.
Today, I believe mental health matters because it shapes how we see ourselves and the world. Healing doesn’t happen all at once; it happens in small steps, through self-compassion, and through the support of a community that reminds us we are not alone.
By Rabab Husseiny