 Unit five, health. Your emotional health or mental health is as important as your physical health and the two are related. Just as you would seek medical assistance if you have a problem with your body, it is also important to seek help if you're experiencing mental health concerns. Mental health refers to how you feel, think, and behave as you cope with life. It also refers to how you handle stress, anger, and sadness. Anyone can experience mental health issues. They affect people of all genders, ages, cultures, education, and income levels. In any one year, one in five people in Canada will personally experience a mental health issue. Look at some of the challenges that newcomers to Canada may face which could affect their mental health. Having to leave an unsafe part of the world as well as your home, family, and friends, finding a new place to live, making new friends, getting a job, supporting your family, settling in a new society, getting used to the weather, and starting at a new school. If your feelings affect your daily functioning, ask for help. Talking to someone about any difficulties is the first step to helping yourself. Seek help if you or someone you know is often sad or hopeless, not hungry, having bad dreams or flashbacks, sleepless, tired or exhausted, frustrated or angry, worried or stressed, lonely, isolated or withdrawn, or having thoughts of self-harm or death. Even in stressful situations, it is important to remember that family violence is illegal in Canada. So how can you help yourself and others? Find out what mental health services are available by calling 2-1-1 or searching online. You can also speak to your family doctor, nurse, or social worker for further assistance. When someone is feeling sad or worried, what can help? Start by doing things that are relaxing and bring joy. Here are some examples, cooking with or for others, helping others, connecting with family and friends, spending time outdoors, eating healthy, praying or meditating, playing sports or exercising, talking to people you trust, focusing on the positive aspects of life, practicing aspects of your culture, and making time for yourself to do something that you enjoy, such as reading a book or creating something. Starting a life in a new country can be difficult and it takes time to adjust. It is normal to feel many emotions while adjusting.