Amy Rhanim, David Ortiz Paredes, Kevin L’Espérance, Keven Lee, and Olivier Ferlatte have published a new article examining mental health challenges and access to healthcare among racialized and non-racialized LGBTQ+ migrant youth during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The article highlights findings from the J’prends ma place! survey, conducted across Canada in 2021. It explores the mental health challenges experienced by LGBTQ+ migrant youth and their needs for mental health support and access to healthcare services during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The study included 291 LGBTQ+ migrant youth aged 15 to 24 living in Canada. The survey examined changes in mental health during the pandemic, symptoms of anxiety and depression, suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts, as well as participants’ perceptions of healthcare providers and their unmet mental health needs.
Key findings include :
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- 75% of participants reported that their mental health had worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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- The prevalence of suicidal ideation was high, particularly among racialized LGBTQ+ youth (44% vs. 39%).
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- Participants frequently reported negative experiences with healthcare providers.
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- Unmet mental health needs were common, especially regarding anxiety, depression, and self-esteem.