Title: Improving Mental Health Awareness and Social Service System Navigation for African, Caribbean and Black Communities in Alberta
Partners: NorQuest College in collaboration with Ribbon Rouge Foundation
Funding: College and Community Social Innovation Fund (CCSIF).
Viola Manokore
Project Lead
Instructor, Practical Nursing Program
To collaborate, participate, or get more information, email
ACBWellness@norquest.ca
Youth Anxiety & Depression
Academic & Cultural Pressures
Building Resilience & Community
Systemic Racism & Misconceptions
Educators’ Mental Health
Culturally Grounded Healing Spaces
Christine Womiloju is a passionate and dedicated social worker with over 20 years of experience supporting individuals, families, and communities in overcoming complex challenges. For the past 11 years, she has served as a Social Worker at NorQuest College, where she has been a strong advocate for student well-being, immigrant integration, and culturally responsive family support. With a deep commitment to mental health, Christine has guided countless students through personal and academic challenges, offering compassionate counselling and facilitating programs that foster resilience and empowerment. Her work is rooted in inclusivity and cultural understanding, making her a trusted voice and leader in developing solutions that address systemic barriers. Christine brings her expertise in immigrant integration, child and family welfare, and mental health advocacy into everything she does, always striving to uplift and connect communities through meaningful support and collaboration. Connect with Christine on LinkedIn to learn more about her work and insights: linkedin.com/in/cwomiloju
Carol Namata is a Public Health professional and researcher with over eight years of experience in health research, project coordination, and community-based research. She holds a PhD in Public Health from Canterbury Christ Church University (UK), where her doctoral work examined access to primary care among homeless immigrants. She also earned her MA in Public Health from Nottingham Trent University (UK) and a BSc in Environmental Health from Makerere University (Uganda). Carol’s expertise spans qualitative and quantitative research, mixed-methods analysis, NVivo, SPSS, and data visualization. She has led community-engaged projects addressing health equity, immigrant and refugee health, and systemic barriers in healthcare access. She has authored and co-authored several peer-reviewed publications on topics including migrant health, antimicrobial resistance, malaria prevention, and strategies for improving access to primary care. Carol is passionate about advancing culturally responsive and equity-focused health interventions, and she brings a strong track record of stakeholder collaboration, research communication, and evidence-informed program development. Connect with Carol on LinkedIn to learn more about her work and insights: linkedin.com/in/carol-namata-a76aa0b8
About this Issue
Youth Anxiety, Cultural Pressures, Racism, and the Power of Support
Youth from Edmonton’s African, Caribbean, and Black (ACB) communities are facing an urgent and growing mental health crisis. While many are striving to succeed academically and socially, they are often carrying invisible burdens such as navigating cultural expectations, financial stress, and systemic racism that can take a significant toll on their wellbeing.
This issue highlights reflections from Christine Womiloju, a Registered Social Worker, who spoke directly with students about the emotional weight they carry. Their stories reveal the need for safe spaces, culturally grounded support, and trusted adults who are willing to show up not just with advice, but with presence and empathy.
We draw on recent research to explore the links between academic pressure, racial trauma, stigma, and youth mental health outcomes, while also examining what helps. Strong relationships, community connection, mentorship, and adult role models who prioritize their own healing are key to helping youth build resilience and hope.
Mental health is a vital part of overall wellness. Recognizing when to seek support is not a weakness, it is a strength. To collaborate and for more information email ACBWellness@norquest.ca
Recent national data highlights a troubling mental health crisis among youth in Canada, particularly concerning anxiety and depression. According to
Effects of Depression and Anxiety on Suicidal Ideation and Suicide Planning
In addition to the concerning data related to anxiety and depression, elevated levels of these conditions have been associated with even more negative implications for mental health. Thes
e ratings have been linked to a substantial increase in reports of suicidal ideation and suicide attempt planning across all age groups, with youth being the most affected
According to research by
Similarly, youth experiencing high levels of depression also face heightened risks. Among those reporting elevated depression levels (n = 260), 51% report having had thoughts of suicide (compared to 24% of the overall youth sample, n = 2,039) and 14% report having planned to attempt suicide in the last year (compared to 8% of the overall sample)
“To put these numbers into context, Last month, I had the opportunity to connect with a group of junior high and high school students from Edmonton’s ACB community. We talked about what it really feels like to carry stress, anxiety, and burnout in a world that often expects them to be strong, silent, and resilient beyond their years.
They spoke candidly about pressure from school, from family, from the expectations of navigating life in two cultures, and from society. Some talked about feeling invisible in classrooms, while others shared how difficult it is to express themselves when there’s no one who looks like them or truly understands where they’re coming from.” (Christine)
Black youth further face significant academic and cultural pressures that affect their mental health. High expectations around school performance, adapting to new environments, and balancing multiple cultural identities contribute to stress, anxiety, and depression. Financial challenges and cultural factors like religion also influence their wellbeing. However, strong social support and a sense of community help build resilience and protect their mental health.
1. Academic Expectations
Black youth often face significant mental health challenges stemming from intense academic expectations, which are deeply influenced by cultural beliefs that academic excellence guarantees success in life (Salami et al., 2022). Many youth describe feeling substantial pressure from their parents to excel academically and to pursue careers perceived as prestigious and financially rewarding. These expectations are particularly burdensome for immigrant youth who may have had limited educational opportunities prior to arriving in Canada and now find themselves struggling to meet unfamiliar academic standards while also adapting to a new cultural and educational environment. In conversation cafés, youth expressed that their sense of self-worth and identity is frequently linked to their academic performance, and that failure to meet these high expectations often results in emotional distress and deteriorating mental health (Salami et al., 2022).
Complementing these insights, a 2023 systematic review published in the Journal of Affective Disorders analyzed 52 international studies and found compelling evidence that academic pressure is strongly associated with adverse mental health outcomes among adolescents, including anxiety, depression, self-harming behaviors, and suicidal ideation
The review identified key stressors such as high-stakes examinations, long study hours, excessive homework, fear of academic failure, and persistent pressure from parents and schools. It also found that incidents of mental health crises, including emergency hospital visits and self-harm, were more frequent during academic terms and declined during school holidays, highlighting the clear connection between school-related stress and youth mental health. Furthermore, longitudinal research within the review demonstrated that ongoing exposure to academic stress can predict worsening anxiety and depression over time, even after accounting for previous mental health conditions. These findings emphasize the pressing need for education systems to implement structural changes that alleviate undue academic stress and better support the psychological wellbeing of students (Steare at al., 2023).
2. Financial Stress
In addition, many Black youth face significant financial stress that deeply impacts their mental health. For some, financial insecurity is a constant concern, and in several cases, families rely on youth to contribute to household income. This added responsibility especially when combined with school demands places immense strain on Black young people, often leading to feelings of overwhelm, anxiety, and emotional exhaustion (Salami et al., 2022).
3. Religion
For many Black youth, religion is deeply rooted in family and cultural values, shaping how they approach mental health. Seeking support outside of religious frameworks can lead to feelings of guilt or inner conflict, especially when faith is seen as central to identity and healing. However, relying solely on religious practices without professional intervention may lead to mental health issues being prolonged or overlooked. Religion, defined as an organized system of shared beliefs and practices often connected to an institution, can provide structure and community. Yet, spirituality understood as a personal and internal sense of peace, purpose, and connection is highlighted as a particularly positive and supportive force in navigating mental health challenges (Salami et al., 2022).
Strong, positive relationships are a vital pillar in supporting the mental health of Black youth. These relationships form essential support systems that young people lean on during times of emotional difficulty or mental health crises. When youth feel connected to people they can trust, they are more likely to open up about their struggles and seek support. Research shows that these healthy social connections not only help reduce the stigma around mental health but also foster openness, resilience, and overall wellbeing (Salami et al., 2022).
Data from Mental Health Research Canada reinforces the value of strong social relationships. Youth who feel they have people to rely on tend to report lower levels of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation, alongside higher ratings of resilience and self-management skills. In fact, both the frequency and quality of social support are directly linked to positive mental health outcomes across all age groups. Even though younger people generally report more negative mental health indicators compared to older individuals, the presence of solid social relationships can significantly buffer these effects. When resilience and social support are combined, their impact on reducing anxiety and depression is particularly strong, demonstrating the powerful synergy between these two protective factors (Mental Health Research Canada, 2024b).
A strong sense of community also plays a key role in mental wellbeing. Black youth report feeling empowered when they are surrounded by others who understand their lived experiences. This feeling of belonging fosters emotional safety, boosts self-worth, and helps individuals better navigate their mental health journeys. In settings like conversation cafés, youth found comfort and solidarity, and expressed a need for dedicated community hubs that offer culturally relevant mental health resources and spaces for open dialogue. These inclusive environments not only normalize mental health conversations but also reinforce the value of collective care and connection
Improving personal mental health literacy is another important step in promoting emotional wellbeing. Understanding the difference between normal emotional fluctuations and more serious mental health challenges is crucial. Concerns arise when symptoms begin to interfere with daily functioning. By increasing awareness of mental health, individuals can better recognize early signs, access appropriate services, and build supportive networks. It is also important to be mindful of everyday triggers, such as excessive screen time, negative interactions on social media, or weak social connections. Knowing when and how to seek help whether during difficult moments or for ongoing support is a powerful act of self-care
Black youth in Canada face disproportionate mental health challenges, driven by systemic racism, cultural stigma, and harmful stereotypes. A recent national study involving 2,002 Black Canadians aged 14–94 revealed alarming trends. Overall, 40.9% reported clinically significant anxiety, 44.5% reported depression, and 31.4% experienced high levels of stress
The study further emphasized that both everyday racial discrimination and major race-based incidents particularly in essential services like education and healthcare are strong predictors of poor mental health outcomes. These systemic and interpersonal forms of racism deeply impact how Black youth see themselves and engage with the world around them
Within many Black communities, mental health is often poorly understood or rarely discussed, which contributes to harmful misconceptions and stigma. Mental illness is sometimes seen as a sign of personal weakness, spiritual failure, or moral deficiency. This fuels a damaging belief that Black individuals should be 
naturally resilient and able to overcome adversity without support.
Such stigma discourages youth from speaking openly about their struggles or seeking help. Mental health challenges are often mislabeled as being “crazy,” “lazy,” or “weird,” creating fear and shame around the topic. Associating with mental health clinics is sometimes viewed as taboo or even “evil,” reinforcing silence and isolation. These misconceptions not only worsen existing conditions but also prevent early intervention and support
Racism stands out as a major factor negatively impacting the mental health of Black youth. Experiences of discrimination and prejudice can deeply harm their self-esteem and sense of identity. Many young people internalize these harmful messages, leading to feelings of self-doubt and even self-hate. This often causes some to distance themselves from their Black identity and adopt Eurocentric beauty standards.
Unfortunately, these damaging attitudes are sometimes reinforced within the Black community itself, where lighter skin is often seen as more desirable or attractive. This emphasis on colorism adds another layer of challenge, affecting how Black youth view themselves and their worth
The ACB Wellness Project at NorQuest College is actively addressing issues of racism, discrimination, and stigma among African, Caribbean, and Black (ACB) youth in Alberta through a multifaceted approach. Funded by the College and Community Social Innovation Fund (CCSIF) and in partnership with the Ribbon Rouge Foundation, the project focuses on improving mental health awareness and access within ACB communities.
Check out the ACB Wellness Newsletter
The project conducts interviews and focus groups with ACB youth to identify barriers such as stigma, lack of culturally relevant mental health resources, and challenges in recognizing mental health symptoms. Findings from this research inform the development of multilingual mental health awareness toolkits and short videos, aimed at reducing stigma and encouraging early help-seeking behaviors.
Project description: Community and Social Innovation
NorQuest College’s Centre for Growth & Harmony offers an engaging online workshop on discrimination that explores the connection between racism, mental health, and allyship. As part of the college’s broader Wellness Workshop Series, this resource empowers students with the knowledge and tools to recognize, address, and challenge discrimination in all its forms.
Access Mental Health Resources related to Discrimination
The Centre for Growth & Harmony offers holistic, student-centered care, including counseling and social work services, to support students facing mental health challenges related to racism and discrimination.
Access Resources on Campus
NorQuest College's Office of Equity supports the college’s strategic commitment to becoming an inclusive, anti-racist institution. This includes promoting sustainable systemic change to address and remove barriers in higher education, creating greater access for all students.
Learn more about the Office of Equity
“As I reflected on my recent conversation with Black youths, I reminded them that they are not alone. No one should carry their burdens in silence. I reminded them there are caring adults in their families, schools, and communities who want to support and walk with them.
For us adults, there should be more of us ready to show up for our youth, not just with advice but with presence, with love, and with listening ears.
And that brings me to an often-overlooked truth: We, as adults, need to take care of our own mental health too. How can we support our youth, emotionally, mentally, spiritually, if we ourselves are operating from a place of emptiness or unhealed trauma? Many of us, especially in the ACB community, have been taught to push through, pray through, to suppress or to survive. But survival is not the same as wellness.
If we are going to model strength, we must also model softness. If we are going to encourage our youth to ask for help, we must first be willing to do the same. Healing is not a luxury. It is a necessity for us and for the generations coming behind us.
Whether you're a parent navigating generational trauma, a teacher feeling the weight of burnout, or a community leader juggling too many responsibilities, know this: your wellbeing matters too. When you pause to reflect, to seek help, to rest, or to reconnect with your own joy, you’re not being selfish. You’re preparing yourself to be the kind of adult our youth can lean on.” (Christine)
The mental health and wellbeing of educators play a vital role in shaping the learning environments and emotional wellbeing of students. A 2024 study published in BMC Psychology analyzed data from over 23,500 Ontario students and 1,478 teachers and found a significant link between teacher distress and increased student symptoms of anxiety and depression
The pressures placed on teachers have intensified in recent years. According to a 2021 survey by the Canadian Teachers’ Federation, 97% of educators reported increased mental, physical, and emotional workload during the 2020–2021 school year. These overwhelming demands have highlighted a growing need to prioritize teacher wellbeing as a central pillar of student success
Educators navigate complex responsibilities daily, often going above and beyond to ensure quality learning experiences. Yet, they also face unique mental health challenges. A 2023 study by
The research sends a clear message: to foster a thriving school system, we must create safe and supportive environments for teachers. By empowering educators to prioritize their mental health through
we help cultivate a more resilient teaching community. As one University of Ottawa senior research associate shared, “maintaining balance through hobbies like biking, snowshoeing, and family time” is key to their passion and longevity in the field
“Our young people are paying attention. They’re watching how we deal with conflict, how we handle stress, how we recover from failure, and whether we value emotional wellbeing. If we want them to prioritize mental health, we must lead by example by speaking openly about therapy, practicing self-care, setting boundaries, and building community.
Our youth don’t just need access to services—they need access to us.
They need us to show up with healed hearts, with humility, and with the wisdom that comes from doing our own inner work. And they need us to co-create safe, culturally grounded spaces where they can speak, be heard, and grow.
Our youth are brilliant. They are bold. And their presence is a gift to our community. But like a seed, they need nourishment, guidance, love, and protection to grow strong—and we need them just as much as they need us.
Let us all continue to show up for our youth—but let us also do the work of showing up for ourselves.” (Christine)
Black youth continue to face systemic barriers, from racial discrimination to cultural erasure in school systems. These challenges impact not only their mental health, but also their identity development, sense of belonging, and future opportunities. There is a growing call for a holistic and culturally responsive approach to support healing, empowerment, and meaningful inclusion (Bollers & Eizadirad, 2025).
Strengthening cultural identity through inclusive and affirming programming is vital to supporting the mental health and overall well-being of Black youth. The lack of culturally relevant content in schools has been identified as a significant factor contributing to feelings of disconnection and diminished self-worth
NorQuest College’s Anti-Racism Curriculum and Pedagogy Toolkit supports this by enabling faculty to embed inclusive and culturally responsive content across programs. This approach directly challenges cultural invisibility, allowing African, Caribbean, and Black learners to see themselves reflected in the curriculum, affirming identity and belonging.
Black youth thrive in environments where they feel seen, heard, and supported. Schools and community programs must invest in creating brave and safer spaces by hiring relatable, culturally responsive staff who model vulnerability, empathy, and resilience. These environments enable youth to express their identities and emotions freely, addressing challenges in a space of safety and support
Youth benefit significantly from diverse, experiential learning opportunities that expand their worldview beyond their immediate environment. Access to leadership-building programs, field trips, camps, financial literacy training, and mentorship can significantly contribute to personal and professional growth. However, to ensure
accessibility, especially for youth from single-parent households or under-resourced communities, these opportunities should be subsidized
NorQuest College’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Action Plan institutionalizes support for such initiatives by embedding equity-focused policies, annual EDI reporting, and sustained funding for culturally responsive programming. Access the Office of Equity policies & action plan.
These strategies highlight the urgent need for culturally responsive teaching that places Black history and lived experiences at the heart of education. Educators are encouraged to engage in ongoing professional development focused on cultural competency, anti-racist practices, and trauma-informed approaches. When combined with inclusive and healing-centered learning environments, these efforts can help Black youth strengthen their identity, build resilience, and develop the leadership skills needed to navigate and challenge systemic barriers
“As I sat and listened to our youth, I was reminded of their brilliance, resilience, and the weight they often carry in silence. Their voices affirmed what we have long known that mental health support must honour their cultural identities and lived experiences.
This isn’t just about programs or services; it’s about how we show up for them as a community. My hope is that we continue to build spaces where they feel seen, heard, and deeply valued. Let’s keep listening, learning, and walking alongside them with compassion presence, and purpose.” (Christine)
You don’t have to navigate these challenges alone. There are several places in Edmonton where you can find help and support:
Specializing in culturally relevant mental health support, and offered by the Alberta Black Therapists Network, the Africa Centre is a community hub where you can connect with others from the African and Caribbean diaspora.
Location: 6770 129 Ave NW, Edmonton | Website: Africa Centre
If you're looking for support that understands your unique cultural background, this co-op provides mental health services tailored for immigrants and refugees.
Website: Multicultural Health Brokers Co-op
Many post-secondaries offer peer support groups or student-led mental health initiatives. These are safe spaces where you can talk about what you’re going through with others who may have similar experiences.
If you are in an emergency situation, call 911.
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De Rubeis, V., Repchuck, R., Halladay, J., Cost, K. T., Thabane, L., & Georgiades, K. (2024). The association between teacher distress and student mental health outcomes: A cross-sectional study using data from the school mental health survey. BMC Psychology, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-024-02071-3
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