"Shared and Collective Stress"

2SLGBTQI and Allied Mental Healthcare Providers' Experiences and Challenges During COVID-19 in Canada

Authors

Keywords:

2SLGBTQI, mental health, healthcare, COVID, service providers, Canada

Abstract

The confluence of increased demand for mental health services and decreased resources due to the COVID-19 pandemic has created multiple challenges for mental healthcare and social service providers. 2SLGBTQI service providers may be disproportionately impacted by pandemic-related challenges, such as psychological distress, vicarious traumatization, and burnout. However, there are significant knowledge gaps regarding the needs and experiences of 2SLGBTQI and allied service providers in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada. To address these gaps, we conducted a national survey (N = 304), eight semi-structured focus groups, and five semi-structured interviews (N = 61) with 2SLGBTQI care seekers and service providers across Canada. Based on data from the 106 2SLGBTQI service providers and 3 allied service providers who took part in these research activities, this paper explores the challenges service providers encounter when providing care to 2SLGBTQI individuals as well as their adaptive responses to these challenges. Understanding the experiences of service providers who share lived experiences of discrimination and marginalization with their clients is critical to addressing barriers to affirming mental healthcare, shifting services to meet the evolving needs of both care seekers and providers, and developing upstream, comprehensive solutions to address the causes of 2SLGBTQI mental health disparities.

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Author Biographies

Kimberly Seida, Egale Canada

Kimberly Seida is a qualitative researcher and PhD Candidate in Sociology at McGill University. Her dissertation explores the healthcare experiences, resilience strategies, and community-building efforts of sexual minority womxn in Canada. She has expertise in qualitative research methodologies (e.g., grounded theory, narrative research); critical media studies; and the sociology of health, illness, and medicine. Kim’s most recent work has focused on unpacking understandings of mental health recovery, social inclusion for folks living with disabilities, and Indigenous youth leadership. At Egale, Kim’s work is largely focused on addressing 2SLGBTQI mental health disparities and highlighting healthcare access issues.  

Félix Desmeules-Trudel, Egale Canada

Félix Desmeules-Trudel (he/him) is a Research Advisor at Collège Montmorency. In this role, he provides support to the research community for project conceptualization, methodology, knowledge mobilization and implementation, among other crucial aspects of college research. Formerly, Félix was a Senior Research Officer at Egale Canada. His work at Egale focused on quantitative research design and analysis. He completed his PhD in Linguistics at the University of Ottawa and postdoctoral fellowships in Psychology at several institutions in Canada.

Brittany A. E. Jakubiec , Egale Canada

Brittany A.E. Jakubiec is a qualitative and educational researcher based in Epetwitk (Prince Edward Island) whose research focuses on experiences of LGBTQ youth, and questions of gender and sexuality, identity, and educational experiences. Brittany completed a PhD in educational studies and an MEd in educational leadership from the University of Prince Edward Island. Brittany brings multi-sectoral experience to their director role, including experience in non-profit leadership, higher education teaching, and academic research. At Egale, Brittany’s current research and work focuses on 2SLGBTQI health and employment. 

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Published

2024-10-22

Issue

Vol. 45 No. 2 (2024): Take Back the Future: 2023 Women’s, Gender, Social Justice Association (formerly Women’s and Gender Studies et Recherches Feministes) Conference

Section

Original Research

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Copyright (c) 2024 Kimberly Seida, Félix Desmeules-Trudel, Brittany A. E. Jakubiec

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