Table of Contents
Mental Health Distress Among South Asian Youth in Canada
The increasing prevalence of mental health issues among Canadian youth, particularly those from diverse backgrounds, has become a pressing concern. Research indicates that one in four youth reports mental health challenges before reaching the age of 25 (1). Among these groups, South Asian youth in Canada face unique mental health challenges that are exacerbated by systemic barriers, including cultural stigma, family dynamics, and a lack of culturally appropriate mental health services (1, 2).
In British Columbia, the South Asian population has surged by 743% since 1981, with children and youth under 24 years constituting around 33.6% of this demographic (3). Despite this significant population growth, South Asian youth encounter distinct barriers to accessing mental health services. These include intergenerational stigma, familial conflicts, and a shortage of culturally tailored services (4). Such barriers result in reported lower usage rates of mental health services among South Asian youth compared to their non-South Asian counterparts (5). For instance, a study revealed that 57.3% of South Asian youth had not accessed any mental health or substance use services in the previous year, compared to 48.4% of non-South Asian youth (6).
The necessity for a reform in mental health services, particularly for youth, has been emphasized by various stakeholders, including community organizations and policymakers. An integrated youth services model (IYS) has been proposed to bridge these gaps, providing a single point of access for various health and social services tailored to youth’s needs (7). Foundry, an initiative in British Columbia, exemplifies this model by offering virtual and physical services aimed at youth aged 12-24, addressing mental health, substance use, and social service needs (8).
The Role of Family Functioning in Adolescent Mental Health
Family dynamics play a crucial role in the psychological well-being of adolescents. Research has shown that poor family functioning, characterized by ineffective communication and lack of emotional support, can lead to increased psychological distress and suicidal tendencies among youth (9). In Ghana, for instance, a study indicated that poor family communication and affective involvement significantly predicted adolescents’ psychological distress and suicidal tendencies (10).
In the Canadian context, particularly for South Asian families, cultural expectations and familial roles can complicate these dynamics. Familial pressure to conform to traditional values can lead to conflicts, especially among youth who may identify differently or face discrimination (11). The impact of these familial interactions is profound; adolescents who report feeling unsupported or rejected by their families are at a higher risk for developing mental health issues, including anxiety and depression (12).
Furthermore, family problem-solving skills appear to influence how adolescents manage stress and resolve conflicts. Studies have suggested that effective family communication and emotional support can act as protective factors against mental health issues (13). Therefore, a focus on improving family functioning could be a vital component of mental health interventions aimed at youth.
Barriers to Mental Health Services for Diverse Youth
Access to mental health services for diverse youth in Canada is often hindered by systemic barriers. These barriers manifest as cultural stigma, economic constraints, and inadequate service availability tailored to specific demographic needs (14). For South Asian youth, cultural stigma surrounding mental health can prevent them from seeking help, as issues related to mental health are often viewed negatively within their communities (15).
Additionally, economic factors play a significant role in the accessibility of mental health services. Many families may prioritize immediate financial needs over mental health care, especially in low-income households (16). This economic strain is compounded by the fact that mental health services are often fragmented and not adequately resourced, making it difficult for youth to access the help they need (17).
Research shows that only a small percentage of diverse youth utilize available mental health services, with only 30.7% of South Asian youth having accessed mental health or substance use services prior to engaging with integrated youth services (18). This low utilization rate highlights the urgent need for targeted outreach and tailored services that resonate with the cultural contexts of diverse youth populations.
Impact of COVID-19 on Youth’s Psychological Well-being
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the mental health of youth globally, with significant implications for psychological well-being (19). Studies indicate that the pandemic has exacerbated existing mental health issues and created new challenges for adolescents, including increased rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation (20).
In Canada, the pandemic has disproportionately affected marginalized communities, including South Asian youth, who face compounded stressors such as isolation, economic instability, and family conflict (21). The prevalence of suicidal ideation among youth during the pandemic has been alarming, with studies indicating that rates of suicidal thoughts increased significantly during this period (22).
A systematic review of the impact of COVID-19 on suicidal behaviors revealed that young adults, particularly those with pre-existing mental health conditions, experienced heightened levels of psychological distress and suicidal tendencies (23). Factors such as social isolation, economic challenges, and disruptions to routine care contributed to an increase in mental health crises among youth during the pandemic (24).
The need for accessible mental health resources during crises has never been clearer, emphasizing the importance of integrated systems that can respond swiftly to the evolving needs of young people (25).
Legislative Influence on Transgender Attitudes and Support
The legal landscape for transgender individuals in Canada has seen significant developments in recent years, with legislation aimed at promoting equality and protecting rights. However, the effectiveness of these laws in changing societal attitudes remains a topic of debate (26). Research has shown that state-level policies, such as those concerning healthcare access and identity recognition, can significantly influence public attitudes towards transgender individuals (27).
For instance, a study examining the relationship between anti-transgender legislation and individual attitudes found that individuals residing in states with more discriminatory policies exhibited more negative attitudes toward transgender people (28). This correlation suggests that local legislation can shape societal norms and attitudes, highlighting the importance of advocacy for inclusive policies (29).
Moreover, the intersection of cultural attitudes, legislative support, and public perception plays a critical role in determining the experiences of transgender individuals. In states where anti-transgender laws are prevalent, individuals often report higher levels of discrimination and mental health challenges (30). This underscores the need for comprehensive policy reform and public education initiatives aimed at fostering acceptance and understanding of transgender issues (31).
References
- Exploring Mental Health Distress, Demographics, and Service Utilization Patterns Among South Asian and Non-South Asian Youth Accessing Integrated Youth Services in British Columbia, Canada: Exploration de la détresse mentale, des données démographiques et des tendances d’utilisation des services chez les jeunes d’origine sud-asiatique et non sud-asiatique qui ont recours aux services intégrés pour les jeunes en Colombie-Britannique, au Canada. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12226539/
- The Relationships of Early Use of Marijuana With Substance Use and Violence in Adolescent Gamblers and Non-Gamblers. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12223671/
- Family functioning, psychological distress and suicidal tendencies among adolescents in Ghana. https://doi.org/10.4102/sajpsychiatry.v31i0.2382
- Local Legislation is Associated With Regional Transgender Attitudes. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12206243/
- Global Overview of Suicidal Behavior and Risk Factors among General Population during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review and a Meta-Regression. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12213960/
