Gender, indigeneity, and intersectional considerations; The mental health of frontline public safety and healthcare workers in Canada

Introduction There are high prevalences of PTSD and suicide in frontline professional emergency responders; currently in Canada, every two out of three of such frontline workers are suffering at least one mental disorder. Beyond individual psychoeducation, gender and intersectional considerations must be addressed to better support mental health of these workers. Methods Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted over Zoom with 41 frontlines workers from across Canada. Theoretical sampling and inductive analysis led to a focus on the experiences of minorities, namely, women and Indigenous participants. Results The key findings include that the workforce lacks diversity; women face a double- or triple-bind; gender-based bullying and harassment continue to be a problem; gender-based mental health stigma persists; there are issues with male peer supporters who lack gender-based understanding; a cultural of machoism persists; there are good in-roads for Indigenous spirituality and inclusion in therapy; Indigenous Elders' teachings and presence in the workplace are therapeutic; and there are special considerations when working in small communities. Conclusions Addressing behavioural and institutional barriers to minority mental wellness must become priorities if frontline organizations seek sustainable recruitment and retention among equity-deserving populations.