Improving mental health services for immigrant, racialized, ethno-cultural and refugee groups

Abstract

Mental health problems are common and have a significant impact on people and their families, communities and the economy. Sixty percent of the population risk of illness is linked to the social determinants of health, and immigrant, refugee, ethno-cultural and racialized (IRER) groups have more exposure to these social factors. But one size does not fit all; the actual rates of mental health, mental illness or substance misuse for any IRER group depend on a complex interplay between risks and resilience. Disparities in rates of mental health, rates of illness and service use exist for IRER populations in Canada. Moving toward equity requires action on the social determinants of health to promote mental wellness as well as targeted action to prevent mental illness and increase the rates of recovery. Equitable mental health services require culturally competent staff, with interventions that work effectively for differently cultural groups and a system that allows equitable access. Mental health problems have a significant impact on individuals, their families and the society. These include diagnosable mental illnesses and addictions (mental disorders) and stress and other problems that would not be considered illnesses. One in five Canadians will experience mental health problems in any given year (MHCC 2016), and this number of 7.5 million people is about twice the number suffering from heart disease or type 2 diabetes (MHCC 2017; Smetanin et al. 2011). Mental health problems have direct impacts and also increase the risk of physical illness.