Elevate Mental Health and Addictions Research in Saskatchewan
A SCPOR Program is a focus area of research where SCPOR will facilitate the development of a shared research agenda between patients/families/communities, decision makers, and researchers. The following are examples of research that address “Culturally appropriate access to Mental Health & Addictions Services in Saskatchewan.”
Secondary suicide prevention by understanding health care delivery of Indigenous youth discharged with intentional self-harm
PI: Dr. Senthil Damodharan
The purpose of this study is to map health care delivery patterns (including mental health) and identify gaps in the suicide prevention of Indigenous youth who are discharged from hospitals with self-harm behaviours. The research team is analyzing administrative and clinical data that documents the discharge and after-care services provided to Indigenous patients ages 25 and under. The research team includes decision makers
in mental health and addictions services as well as patient partners with lived experiences of mental health challenges and suicide in Indigenous communities. The results of this project will be used to address care gaps and inform the development of culturally appropriate suicide prevention services for Indigenous youth.
Saskatchewan Farmer and Rancher Mental Health (FARMh) Initiative
PI: Michelle Pavloff
Globally, farmers have been found to have higher rates of psychological distress, depression, and suicide, compared to the general population. However, research indicates that farmers may be reluctant to seek mental health support services, due to distrust of mental health professionals, disbelief that the services available to them will be helpful, and adopting traditional gender roles that encourage male farmers to ‘mask’ their anxiety and depression. Due to this, tailored programs designed by farmers and ranchers themselves are needed in order to effectively target their specific mental health needs and concerns. Three patient family partners who are Saskatchewan-based farmers/ranchers are passionate about making changes to this health priority. They have co-led an interdisciplinary team to identify their own research priorities and design their own study. Funded through a Sprout Grant and Mental Health and Addictions Funding, the patient family partners will co-lead the research process to: (1) determine what Saskatchewan farmers and ranchers require for mental health supports; (2) gain a greater understanding of ‘farm culture’; (3) use this knowledge to develop effective mental health supports that are tailored towards Saskatchewan farmers and ranchers; and (4) educate mental health professionals on farm culture and how to best support this demographic group.
