Inuit youths’ explanations of avoidance of formal mental health services and what should be done: results from interviews in two Nunavut communities

In Nunavut, Inuit territory in Canada, young people have suicide rates nine times higher than the overall Canadian rates. However, mental health services struggle to reach young people. Regional suicide prevention organizations call for improved services and a better continuum of care. Yet little research has explored young people's experiences with the services currently available. As part of a larger study on resilience in Inuit youth, we asked them to explain their lack of use of mental health and suicide prevention services. The study was conducted in Arviat and Pangnirtung and followed the Inuit methodology Aajiiqatigiingniq Research Methodology (ARM), a cultural process for consensus building and solution-seeking compatible with a qualitative research approach. Advisory boards were created in each community. Interviews were conducted with thirty-one Inuit youths age 15 to 24. Data were analyzed by a thematic analysis. Young Inuit expressed a general discomfort with available services, including uneasiness with the health center and the way services are provided, they lacked information about services, lamented inadequate outreach methods and expressed a feeling of mistrust. Our findings support the value of several ongoing initiatives based upon cultural traditions, and may inform the continuum of care for suicide prevention .