The prevalence and correlates of different forms of racial discrimination among Black Canadians are unknown. This article aims to examine the prevalence of different forms of racial discrimination (daily, major and microaggressions) and their association with self-esteem and satisfaction with life among Black Canadians. A convenience sample of 845 Black Canadians aged 15–40 was recruited. We assessed frequencies of everyday and major racial discrimination, and racial microaggressions against Black Canadians and their association with self-esteem and satisfaction with life, controlling for gender, age, job status, education, and matrimonial status. At least 4 out of 10 participants declared having being victims of everyday racial discrimination at least once per week. Between 46.3% and 64.2% of participants declared having been victims of major racial discrimination in various situations including education, job hiring, job dismissal, health services, housing, bank and loans, and police encounters. Significant gender differences were observed for everyday and major racial discrimination with higher frequencies among female participants. A total of 50.2% to 93.8% of participants declared having been victims of at least one episode of racial microaggressions. Results showed a significant negative association between racial discrimination and satisfaction with life ( b = –0.26, p = .003), and self-esteem ( b = –0.23, p = .009). This study highlights the need to stop colorblind policies in different sectors in Canada, and for a public commitment to combat racism at the municipal, provincial and federal levels. Implications are discussed for prevention, research and public health.

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Background Depression is a common mental health problem causing significant disability globally, including in Canada. Prevalence estimates for depression within Black communities in Canada are unknown. This study determined the prevalence of depression in a sample of Black Canadians and the association between everyday racial discrimination experiences and depression. Methods We analyzed data collected from the Black Community Mental Health project in Canada. Participants provided sociodemographic information and completed measures assessing depressive symptomology, everyday racial discrimination, and social support. The prevalence of depressive symptomatology was computed across sociodemographic variables and categories of everyday racial discrimination. Different regression models were conducted to examine the relationship between depressive symptoms and everyday racism controlling for sociodemographic factors. Results In total, 65.87% of participants reported severe depressive symptoms, with higher rates among women, those who are employed, and those born in Canada. The linear regression models showed that everyday racial discrimination is the best predictor of depressive symptoms, with a final model explaining 25% of the variance. A logistic regression model demonstrated that those experiencing a high level of racial discrimination are 36.4 more likely to present severe depressive symptoms when compared to those reporting a low level of discrimination. Conclusions Rates of depressive symptoms among Black individuals are nearly six times the 12‐month prevalence reported for the general population in Canada. Racial discrimination, which significantly predicts greater depressive symptomatology, is consistent with earlier studies in the United States and suggests that Canadian colorblind policies may inadvertently reinforce racial discrimination with detrimental effects on mental health.

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When people living in poverty are asked to describe their living conditions, mental health issues quickly come to mind (grief, sadness, anger, fear, bitterness, frustration, discontent, anxiety, and emotional damage consisting of low mood and depression, fatigue, hypersensitivity, sleep difficulties and physical pain). Although the association between poverty and mental health have been widely demonstrated in the literature, care must be taken to avoid the psychiatrization of poverty. However, how can healthcare be provided to people living in poverty when basic needs are not met? This article explores the global challenge of providing mental health services in impoverished populations, using the example of the poorest country in America: Haiti. It examines the availability of services offered through the Mental Health Centre at Morne Pelé, and the necessity for innovative and comprehensive approaches to provide culturally appropriate care that meets the real needs of populations. It highlights effective measures that policy makers should implement to develop an efficient mental healthcare system based on the lessons of the Mental Health Centre at Morne Pelé.