Navigating a New Country with Dignity and Support: Insights from Dr. Linda Kongnetiman-Pansa on Immigrant Mental Health

Moving to a new country is often described as a fresh start—full of hope, opportunity, and promise. Yet beneath the excitement lies a quieter reality: uncertainty, cultural dislocation, systemic barriers, and emotional strain. In the first episode of The Expert’s Corner, hosted by Sarah Uwadiae of Afros in the Diaspora, these complexities are explored through a deeply grounded and compassionate conversation with Dr. Linda Kongnetiman-Pansa, PhD-trained Registered Social Worker, counsellor, and Adjunct Professor at the University of Calgary and the University of British Columbia.

With more than three decades of experience across healthcare, human services, private practice, and academia, Dr. Kongnetiman-Pansa brings both professional expertise and lived experience to the conversation—offering newcomers not just information, but affirmation.

Honouring Identity as the Foundation of Well‑Being

Dr. Kongnetiman-Pansa begins by situating herself within her cultural roots. Born and raised in Surinam and a descendant of Maroon communities—people who resisted enslavement and built free societies—she emphasizes that understanding where we come from is essential to knowing where we are going. She shares the significance of her pangi, a traditional Maroon cloth passed down from her late mother, symbolizing survival, freedom, and continuity.

For newcomers, this message is profound: integration does not require erasure. Cultural identity—language, food, spirituality, values—is not something to abandon in order to belong. Rather, it is a source of resilience and grounding, especially during the challenges of resettlement.

Understanding and Accessing Support Systems

One of the central themes of the episode is how newcomers can navigate Canada’s complex web of social supports. Dr. Kongnetiman-Pansa highlights a critical gap: many immigrants simply do not know that help exists. Government programs, immigrant‑serving agencies, non‑profit organizations, hospitals, and community networks all provide resources—from settlement services and language programs to clothing, food support, and mental health care.

She encourages newcomers to:

• Connect early with immigrant‑serving agencies

• Seek guidance from hospital social workers and family doctors

• Explore municipal information lines such as 311 for local resources

• Lean on community and non‑profit initiatives that offer practical and emotional support

  
  

At the heart of her message is this reminder: asking for help does not diminish dignity. Support systems exist to be used, and accessing them is an act of self‑advocacy, not weakness.

Language Is an Asset—Not a Barrier

Language barriers are often cited as one of the most stressful aspects of migration. Dr. Kongnetiman-Pansa challenges this narrative directly, reframing multilingualism as a strength rather than a deficit. She speaks powerfully about how people think, feel, and process distress in their first language—and why honouring that reality is essential in healthcare, education, and counselling.

She introduces a reframing that resonates deeply: instead of calling it an “accent,” she speaks of the “color” or “tone” of your voice—a reflection of history, culture, and identity. When individuals are supported in holding onto their language while learning a new one, confidence grows and stress decreases.

For newcomers, especially children, this perspective can be life‑changing. Being bilingual or multilingual is not something to hide—it is something to protect and celebrate.

Children, Belonging, and Self‑Advocacy

For families, migration often raises concerns about children navigating school systems where they may face bullying, isolation, or low expectations due to language or cultural differences. Dr. Kongnetiman-Pansa emphasizes the importance of open communication at home, helping children understand that ESL classes are supports—not punishments—and teaching them that their heritage is an asset.

She also acknowledges the reality of code‑switching—sometimes necessary for survival—but cautions against losing oneself entirely in the process. When adaptation turns into erasure, long‑term mental health consequences can follow. Supporting children to feel proud of who they are, while learning how to navigate systems, is key to their emotional well‑being.

Mental Health Is Part of Settlement

A particularly powerful takeaway from the conversation is Dr. Kongnetiman-Pansa’s recommendation that newcomers prioritize both physical and mental health check‑ups. While annual physical exams are common, mental wellness is often overlooked—despite the emotional toll of migration, loss, and adjustment.

She encourages newcomers, women, seniors, and LGBTQ+ individuals especially, to:

• Establish care with a family doctor

• Seek culturally responsive mental health support

• Build trusted circles of community and connection

Mental health, she reminds us, is not separate from settlement—it is foundational to it.

A Message of Dignity, Belonging, and Hope

Throughout the episode, Dr. Kongnetiman-Pansa returns to one central truth: people’s lived experiences matter. Systems must do better at seeing individuals fully—culturally, emotionally, and historically—rather than expecting them to fit into rigid structures.

For newcomers navigating life in a new country, her message is both grounding and empowering:

• You belong

• Your identity is valuable

• Support exists

• And you do not have to walk this journey alone

At Kongnetiman Wellness Centre, these principles are at the core of our work. We believe in culturally responsive, compassionate care that honours the whole person—mind, body, history, and identity.

If you or someone you love is navigating migration, settlement, or identity‑related stress, we invite you to connect with us. Support is not only available—it is deserved.