Lifting each other up: decolonizing practices for mental health and suicide prevention through Indigenous youth peer support programming.
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| Title: | Lifting each other up: decolonizing practices for mental health and suicide prevention through Indigenous youth peer support programming. |
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| Authors: | Peltier, Shanna (AUTHOR), Ansloos, Jeffrey (AUTHOR) |
| Source: | Counselling Psychology Quarterly. Mar2026, Vol. 39 Issue 1, p25-53. 29p. |
| Subjects: | Support groups, Psychotherapy, Health services accessibility, Mental health, Institutional racism, Qualitative research, Psychological distress, Medical care of Indigenous peoples, Research funding, Indigenous peoples, Affinity groups, Interviewing, Responsibility, Suicide prevention, Experience, Reflexivity, Thematic analysis, Theory of knowledge, Research methodology, Adult education workshops, Practical politics, Health equity, Sterilization (Birth control), Psychosocial factors |
| Geographic Terms: | British Columbia |
| Abstract: | First Nations, Métis, and Inuit youth in Canada experience significant mental health disparities, with high rates of psychosocial distress and suicide, particularly among those under 45. Over the past 25 years, efforts have aimed to improve psychological services and suicide prevention for Indigenous communities, but risk – based, symptom – focused approaches have failed to address the broader determinants of Indigenous mental health. Decolonizing methodologies emphasize culturally centered, trauma – informed strategies that promote community strength and political self – determination. This study explores the experiences of nine Indigenous youth facilitators engaged in decolonizing mental health initiatives through YouthCO's Yúusnewas program in British Columbia. In – depth interviews and reflexive thematic analysis reveal three key themes: promoting cultural continuity, fostering self – love through Indigenous knowledge, and youth leadership development. These findings advocate for strengths – based, culturally focused mental health approaches and highlight the need for counselling psychology to embrace Indigenous knowledge and support Indigenous youth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| Database: | Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection |
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| Abstract: | First Nations, Métis, and Inuit youth in Canada experience significant mental health disparities, with high rates of psychosocial distress and suicide, particularly among those under 45. Over the past 25 years, efforts have aimed to improve psychological services and suicide prevention for Indigenous communities, but risk – based, symptom – focused approaches have failed to address the broader determinants of Indigenous mental health. Decolonizing methodologies emphasize culturally centered, trauma – informed strategies that promote community strength and political self – determination. This study explores the experiences of nine Indigenous youth facilitators engaged in decolonizing mental health initiatives through YouthCO's Yúusnewas program in British Columbia. In – depth interviews and reflexive thematic analysis reveal three key themes: promoting cultural continuity, fostering self – love through Indigenous knowledge, and youth leadership development. These findings advocate for strengths – based, culturally focused mental health approaches and highlight the need for counselling psychology to embrace Indigenous knowledge and support Indigenous youth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| ISSN: | 09515070 |
| DOI: | 10.1080/09515070.2025.2521818 |
