Aboriginal Mental Health: The statistical reality

It’s well known that the Aboriginal people of Canada face a unique set of mental health challenges.² But what may not be so well known is that, in a 2002/03 survey, about 70% of First Nations adults living on reserves felt in balance physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. And, among Aboriginal people living both on and off reserve, those who did experience a mental health problem were much more likely than the rest of Canadians to seek professional help—a positive step towards healing. In some groups, the number of Aboriginal people seeking help was as high as 17%—compared to the Canadian average of 8%. These numbers would probably have been even higher if more mental health professionals were available in isolated areas.Read More