HOME / VOCABULARY EXERCISES LIFE SKILLS: MENTAL HEALTH
This section is for people talking about their emotional problems. Depression, anxiety, and other conditions affecting mental health are often very serious, and should be discussed with a doctor, counselor, or psychiatrist.
LIFE-SKILLS ENGLISH FOR NEW IMMIGRANTS: EMOTIONAL PROBLEMS/MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELLING
VOCABULARY BUILDER:
Antidepressant = Medication that helps alleviate depression
Panic attack = A sudden and serious condition when one feels extreme anxiety both in the mind and the body
Toxic relationship =
A relationship of any kind, - romantic, family, friendship - that is harmful to your mental health.
Phobia = Irrational ( = not rational) fear about something
Delusion = A belief about something despite strong evidence to the contrary
EXERCISE/VOCABULARY PRACTICE TEST
Remember to choose the most natural-sounding answer.
THINGS TO LISTEN FOR:
Have you ever had suicidal thoughts? = Have you ever thought about killing yourself?
Have you ever considered therapy? = Have you ever thought about talking to a professional (a psychiatrist, psychologist, counselor, etc.)?
Don't trivialize this. = Don't dismiss this as not important, or not serious.
Your family won't be informed. = We won't tell your family.
RESOURCES FOR NEWCOMERS: BOSTON, MA, USA
(Check our other exercises below for resources in other places.)
Here's a comprehensive guide to immigrant and refugee support services in Boston, Massachusetts — including settlement help, legal assistance, education, employment support, health services, and community resources:
IMMIGRATION AND LEGAL ASSISTANCE
• Rian Immigrant Center - Offers immigration legal services, employment support, family unity services, citizenship help, and community integration programs.
• International Institute of New England - One of the region's largest refugee and immigrant support organizations providing resettlement, education, English classes, job training, skills development, legal help, and pathways to citizenship.
• City of Boston Mayor's Office for Immigrant Advancement - Provides free immigration consultations with volunteer lawyers (by appointment/phone), Know Your Rights materials, referrals to legal services, and community support programs.
• Office for Refugees and Immigrants (State) - The Massachusetts state office coordinating refugee and immigrant support, including referral to multiple trusted service providers across the state.
• MIRA Coalition (Massachusetts Immigrant & Refugee Advocacy Coalition) - A statewide advocacy and coalition organization offering community education, leadership development, policy support, and connections to service providers.
REFUGEE & SETTLEMENT SUPPORT
• Catholic Charities Boston - Provides refugee resettlement, transitional housing, refugee and immigrant servicesincluding job placement support and English language help.
• Yawkey Center, Catholic Charities of Boston - Additional Catholic Charities location offering community support and resources (housing aid, food, referrals).
• Refugee and Immigrant Assistance Center - Offers social services and assistance to immigrants and refugees in Boston.
• Boston Center for Refugee Health & Human Rights at Boston Medical Center - Provides healthcare access and holistic health services for refugees and immigrant survivors of torture.
COMMUNITY & SOCIAL SUPPORT
• Free ESOL and Citizenship Classes: Boston Public Library locations offer English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) and citizenship preparation classes.
• Rights, Workers' Support & Info Corners: The Mayor's Office runs Immigrant Information Corners in public libraries and community centers with multilingual materials on rights, financial empowerment, and services.
• Community Resources: Local groups like Haitian American Public Health Initiatives, Somali Development Center, and Eritrean Community Center offer education, health, youth programs, and language support (listed under Boston Government resources).
LEGAL "KNOW YOUR RIGHTS" RESOURCES
• City-run Free Consultations: Free brief immigration lawyer consultations are offered regularly through the Mayor's Office for Immigrant Advancement; registration is usually required.
• Know Your Rights Materials: The City links to Know Your Rights guides in multiple languages and information on interactions with immigration enforcement.
• Greater Boston Legal Services Immigration Unit: Offers legal support regardless of immigration status; call their immigration unit for assistance.
EDUCATION AND FAMILY SUPPORT
• Boston Public Schools provides support for English Learners and engagement services for multilingual families.
CITY & STATE SUPPORT
• Boston City Services & Benefits - The City of Boston offers housing assistance programs, health services, public benefits help, and employment resources to all residents, regardless of immigration status.
• Dial BOS:311 / 617-635-4500 - A helpful central phone line to access city services, report issues, or request referrals in many languages.
QUICK WAYS TO GET HELP
• Free immigration legal consultation: Call the Mayor's Office for Immigrant Advancement at 617-635-2980 to schedule.
• Visit local organizations like Rian Immigrant Center, International Institute of New England, or Catholic Charities Boston for comprehensive support.
• ESOL & citizenship classes: Check Boston Public Library schedules or immigrant service providers for free classes.
