Opening Up: An Immigrant's Journey Through Mental Health

By Liway Cabrera
Local Journalism Initiative

In recognition of Men’s Mental Health Month this June, volunteer host Lyle Watson sat down with Joe Galao, a newcomer from the Philippines, to talk about his mental health journey as an immigrant living and working in Neepawa.

Challenges as a Newcomer

Joe candidly shared the emotional challenges he faces being far from his family while working in Canada as a temporary foreign worker. His story underscores the importance of support, resilience, and open conversations around men’s mental well-being—particularly for newcomers adapting to life far from home.

“It’s been tough, especially during my first year here,” Galao said. “Back home, I used to take care of my kids full-time. Coming to Canada was a tough sacrifice, but I did it for their future—to build a better life.”

He found some comfort in staying connected to his children through modern technology. “When I was growing up, I didn’t have that option. My dad was also a migrant worker, so I know what it’s like to grow up with a parent working abroad. I make sure to keep in touch with my kids and be present in their lives, even from a distance.”

Living and working in Neepawa has allowed him to provide more for his children back in the Philippines. “Even though I’m only earning just enough, I can still give them what they need—and sometimes what they want—because of the difference in cost of living and the strength of the Canadian dollar,” he explained. “To be honest, the last time I was home, the minimum daily wage—not hourly, daily—was $20. Here, our hourly wage and the number of hours we work really make a difference.”

Coping with Mental Health Challenges

When asked how he copes with mental health challenges while being so far from his family, Galao emphasized the importance of talking to someone and maintaining a positive outlook.

“If you can, keep yourself healthy—not just mentally, but physically too. You need to take care of yourself so you can take care of the people you love, the people you’re doing all this for,” he said. “Find a positive outlet. Maybe learn to cook, pick up a good book, find a hobby—something that brings you joy.”

Men Talking About Mental Health

Lyle Watson reflected on how powerful it was that two men were having an open and honest conversation about mental health.

“This is what Men’s Mental Health Month is all about,” Watson said. “We’re not less masculine for opening up about our struggles. But it’s still a hard message to get across to many men. There’s this belief that it’s not ‘manly’ to talk about what we’re going through mentally and emotionally.”

When asked whether that stigma is similar in Filipino culture, Galao nodded. “I think it’s a common issue among men everywhere, but in my culture, it’s even stronger. Filipino men are expected to be tough—the breadwinners, the providers. Growing up, showing emotion was seen as a weakness. So even when we’re struggling, we’re taught to stay silent.”

But things have changed for him since coming to Canada.

“Here, I’ve found it’s easier to talk about mental health because there’s more support. You can reach out to professionals or talk to someone who understands. That kind of access really helps,” he said.

“That’s why it’s so important to have someone you can trust—someone who’ll just listen without judging or offering opinions unless you ask. That kind of support makes a huge difference.”