Nunavut francophones hesitant to ask for help with mental health matters, report says

Nunavutfrancophones aren't seeking help fortheir mental health needs thanks to a lack of services in French, and a feeling among francophones that their Inuit neighbours have a greater need for resources.

This isaccording to a new report from Rsefan, Nunavut's French health network. The May 29 report, 'Needs ofFrancophonesLiving inNunavut: Mental Health and Addictions,'reviewsthe state of mental health care inthe territory for its francophone residents.

It is not the first time the lack of health resources in the territory's minority languages has been raised as a problem.

Rsefan cites a report by Nunavut's language commissioner on services available at the Qikiqtani Hospital,"If You Cannot Communicate With Your Patient, Your Patient Is Not Safe,"which was released in May 2016.

• Language barriers threaten patient safety at Iqaluit hospital, says report

French language services 'practically non-existent'

Rsefan says that services in French and Inuktitut are "practically non-existent and that staff must often rely upon unofficial interpreters."

When it comes to treating mental health issues, the report said this situation presents "risks by compromising the correctness of [a]diagnosis as well as the detection of disorganized thought or delusions."Unofficial interpreters also degrade the patient's right to confidentiality, especially in small Northern communities.

The report goes on to describe the French population asolder than the territory's average age,adding that many are unaware of what services areavailable in French.

Francophonesalso do not want to infringe on what may be limited resources available for their Inuit neighbours.

"There are no services available for Inuit who seem to have more problems, soFrancophonesdo not ask for services since it feels as though they are taking their resources," the report states.

Mental health 'major issue'for Nunavut's francophones

According to the 2011 Census, around 450 people or 1.4 per cent ofNunavut'spopulation list French as their first language and most of them have migrated from other Canadian provinces.

Most, or approximately 315, of the territory'sfrancophoneslive inIqaluit.

Rsefan identified mental health and addiction as a "major issue" for the small community.

It characterizes the community as transient, feeling "isolated" from itssouthern network, and dealing withenvironmental and cultural shock.

Suicide prevention

The report says the Government of Nunavut's work to address the territory's suicide crisis is essential, and thataction items from Nunavut's suicide prevention plan can be adapted to meet francophone needs.

• Nunavut releases 1-year action plan on suicide prevention

It suggests incorporating steps like awareness campaigns and telemedicine to connect with out-of-province services.

"We don't want to reinvent the wheel, we want to take advantage of this momentum, of the increased mobilization that will provide better access to mental health services for all Nunavummiut."