Survey of northern informal and formal mental health practitioners

Abstract

BackgroundThis survey is part of a multi-year research study on informal and formal mental health support in northern Canada involving the use of qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis methods in an effort to better understand mental health in a northern context.ObjectiveThe main objective of the 3-year study was to document the situation of formal and informal helpers in providing mental health support in isolated northern communities in northern British Columbia, northern Alberta, Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut. The intent of developing a survey was to include more participants in the research and access those working in small communities who would be concerned regarding confidentiality and anonymity due to their high profile within smaller populations.DesignBased on the in-depth interviews from the qualitative phase of the project, the research team developed a survey that reflected the main themes found in the initial qualitative analysis. The on-line survey consisted of 26 questions, looking at basic demographic information and presenting lists of possible challenges, supports and client mental health issues for participants to prioritise.ResultsThirty-two participants identified various challenges, supports and client issues relevant to their mental health support work. A vast majority of the respondents felt prepared for northern practice and had some level of formal education. Supports for longevity included team collaboration, knowledgeable supervisors, managers, leaders and more opportunities for formal education, specific training and continuity of care to support clients.ConclusionFor northern-based research in small communities, the development of a survey allowed more participants to join the larger study in a way that protected their identity and confidentiality. The results from the survey emphasise the need for team collaboration, interdisciplinary practice and working with community strengths as a way to sustain mental health support workers in the North.

Exploring coping strategies and mental health support systems among female youth in the Northwest Territories using body mapping

“…This finding, along with the literature [3,28–31], suggest that Indigenous and Northern youth currently utilise a range of supports outside the formal healthcare system to manage their mental health. Previous studies have found that health services are often difficult to access for Northerners and Indigenous peoples due to diverse barriers that often exist within the environmental or policy contexts of the social ecological framework, such as staffing shortages and high staff turnover [5], geography [5,32], structural racism in the healthcare system [33], and the unavailability of consistent culturally relevant and safe care [5,34]. Findings from this study thus corroborate past research that describe how Indigenous and Northern Canadian youth rely on intrapersonal and interpersonal supports that are not part of the healthcare system when addressing mental health challenges.…”

“…There is a growing burden of mental illness among people in rural communities and substantial disparities in health outcomes between those living in northern and southern Canada [2–4]. The rurality and geographic remoteness of the NWT influences availability of and access to mental healthcare provision [2,5]. Furthermore, the historical context of colonization and intergenerational trauma (often from residential schools) continues to have lasting impacts on the families of Northerners [6,7].…”

Assessing clinical support and inter-professional interactions among front-line primary care providers in remote communities in northern Canada: a pilot study

“…Residential facilities to receive such patients were in short supply, even in the territorial capital, whilst the communities had neither the staff nor facilities to hold them or provide appropriate care. The lack of accessible and culturally appropriate mental health services is common across the remote North, and often informal practitioners have to be relied on ( 27 , 28 ).…”

Through our lens: Experiences of adult mental health service consumers in the Arrow Lakes Region of British Columbia

“…Formal and informal mental health services present opportunity for successful mental health management in community settings (Cummings & Kropf, 2009;O'Neill et al, 2013;Sav et al, 2015;WHO, 2003;Winters et al, 2006). As presented in the literature, preference for selfmanagement of mental health is prevalent in rural contexts (Sav et al, 2015;Winters et al, 2006).…”

“…The wellness of individuals with adverse conditions of mental health can be promoted and supported by both formal and informal mental health services, with collaborative approaches to care presenting the best opportunity for the management of complex mental health needs in community (Cummings & Kropf, 2009;O'Neill, George & Sebok, 2013;Sav et al, 2015;WHO, 2003;Winters, Cudney, Sullivan & Thuesen, 2006). This section of the literature review will discuss the differences between formal mental health services and informal mental health services.…”