Study background
 In 2013, 45 suicides occurred in Nunavut, Canada – an annual record since the territory’s establishment in 1999. When mortality rates are age-standardized, suicide emerges as the cause of nearly one in six deaths in the territory. To put this further into perspective, Nunavut would have the second highest suicide rate in the world if it were a country. There is a need to identify what tools or forms of support are preferred and pursued among community members, and, in particular, young Inuit adults.  While there has been research on the sources and causes of mental health issues, there is a limited understanding of what actually helps Nunavut residents out of difficult times and poor mental health as they rebuild and maintain their wellness.

Aim

In board-approved partnership with the Embrace Life Council, we are working to identify young adults’ preferred tools for maintaining and rebuilding their mental health/wellness in three communities: Pond Inlet, Rankin Inlet, and Iqaluit. The research uses mixed methods, meaning there will be two parts to each of the ~10-20 interviews in each of the towns: (1) a quantitative demographics questionnaire, and (2) a qualitative semi-structured interview/conversation.

The goal of this is study to inform the Council and the local communities of the study results so that they may more effectively allocate their finite mental health resources/funds and advocate for increased, evidence-based investments. This work employs a community-based participatory action research approach, meaning we are greatly invested in the community’s perspective and contributions to the research project; we see local leaders and community members as partners at each step.

Please let us know if you are interested in participating (see “Contact Info” tab).