Mental Health and resources
Mental Health and resources
Adjusting to a new country and living in a new culture can be both exciting and difficult. Often the differences are interesting and fun at first, but over time having to adjust to so many new things can be exhausting. Transitions can be especially challenging when you are far away from people who usually support you. We understand that problems in your personal life can impact your ability to learn, so we aim to be your home away from home and help you adjust to the extend we can.
It is not unusual to:
- miss home or feel “like” you do not want to go back home
- be misunderstood when you express yourself in your usual way
- feel conflicted between values at home and in the US
- have difficulties making American friends at first or understanding dating in the US
- deal with roommate conflict
- find out that some people are prejudiced against others from different cultures
- deal with others’ misperceptions about your culture or country
- experience difficulties understanding people when speaking English
- not understand major differences in the educational system
- feel fear in getting help for physical illness due to difference in the medical system
- face problems interacting with professors, advisors, or employers
- be concerned about family reactions to choices you make while in the US
- find that things that were a problem at home are still a problem even though you are in a new environment
Dealing with these issues can lead to: feeling sad, worried, lonely, confused, frustrated or angry, overwhelmed, helpless or stuck, lacking on self confidence, feeling fearful of the unknown and unfamiliar leading up to problems with sleeping, problems concentrating, problems with academic performance and even physical illnesses. It is important to talk about it and make sure you get the support you need to face these challenges.
Beyond our staff at Approach, there are several organizations in Massachusetts that offer linguistically and culturally appropriate mental health and related services:
Please look at the 2019 Multicultural Mental Health Resource Directory created by the MA department of mental health below:
You may download this guide for a complete list of service providers at
https://www.mass.gov/doc/printable-dmh-multicultural-resource-directory-complete/download