Exploring perceived and experienced mental health challenges and coping strategies of Black youth in Canada.

Abstract

In Canada, Black youth are at heightened risk of developing mental health problems as a result of intersecting factors such as racial discrimination, school-related stress, and adverse socio-economic conditions. Few studies have examined Black youths' perceptions of the underlying causes of these mental health problems and the strategies they develop to cope with them. This study aimed to describe Black youth's perceptions of the causes of mental health problems and to examine the actions they report taking to cope with these difficulties, including how they perceive the usefulness and limitations of these actions in restoring or maintaining mental well-being. A qualitative descriptive study was conducted with 32 self-identified Black youth living in Canada. Participants were recruited using a non-probability, criterion-based strategy through targeted social media advertisements, Black-serving community and religious organizations, and snowball sampling. Eligible participants were aged 15 to 24 years and able to speak French or English Content analysis was performed supported by NVivo. Three main themes were identified: situations impacting mental health, barriers to expressing mental health concerns, and actions taken to feel better. The results highlight the multiple mental health causes faced by Black youth, including difficulties in talking about their mental health problems due to stigma and the invisibility of symptoms. Actions taken by young people to improve their well-being highlight the importance of creating a supportive environment and preventive educational interventions tailored to their specific needs to promote better mental health.