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Imagine this scenario

Anti-Asian racism and discrimination were amplified during the COVID-19 pandemic due to Asians being blamed for COVID-19. Hate and racism were even extended to Asian youth 18 years and under. Reports of discrimination by children and adolescents increased by 286% in 2021 compared to 2020, making up 29% of reports (CCNCTC &Project 1907, 2022).

These two, short, real-life scenarios highlight the experiences of some young people.

To support young people, researchers from the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, the Asian Canadian Living Archive and Hong Fook Mental Health Association initiated a project entitled My Script, My Voice.

The project, which included focus group discussions and photo story (photography and visual arts), was designed to better understand the following:

click Learn more about the project

“Racism and discrimination constitute pervasive stressors in the daily lives of many racial and ethnic minority individuals and our Asian youth is not immune. Racial discrimination has become a contributory factor in the occurrence of physical and mental health conditions. At Hong Fook, we hear from Asian youth that they feel ashamed of their social identities, i.e., being Asian. They find it difficult to share these experiences with their parents. This can cause more feelings of isolation, anxiety and depression and prevent them from social participation in the Canadian society.”

Bonnie Wong, Executive Director of Hong Fook Mental Health Association (published by Chinese Canadian National Council Toronto Chapter in the “Another Year: Anti-Asian Racism across Canada, Two Years into the COVID-19 Pandemic document.”

Activity: Racism and mental health

Describe at least three factors related to racism that contribute to mental health problems for immigrants and refugees.

Perceived racism is a risk factor for mental health problems. Canadian research has shown that perceived discrimination is connected with declining self-reported mental health for immigrants, post-migration. When newcomers and racialized groups experience, perceive or expect that they will be discriminated against, it influences their interest in accessing programs and services. Instead, they may resort to other non-medical interventions to address their mental health problems or illnesses (Mental Health Commission of Canada,[MHCC] 2019).

Studies have shown that higher rates of depression and anxiety are likely when there is misalignment between education and occupational level. For instance, immigrants generally have higher levels of education than persons born in Canada, but they earn less than the Canadian-born population. In 2015, immigrants working full time earned less than non-immigrant Canadians with the same degree (MHCC, 2019).

Although Canada prides itself on multiculturalism and is considered a cultural mosaic, racial hierarchy exists. As with all societies, classism also exists. New immigrants often experience a change in social status, moving from a higher status in their home country to a lower status in their host country. This can have a negative effect on mental health (MHCC & CAMH, 2009).