The use of mobile applications to support Indigenous youth wellbeing in Canada

Mobile applications for immediate mental health support have been popularized due to the increased dependence on telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although Indigenous youth are identified to be at greater risk of psychiatric illness and adverse mental health events, there are very few apps designed to meet the socio-cultural needs of this group. JoyPopTM is a mobile application created in collaboration with Haudenosaunee Indigenous youth designed to promote resilience and emotion regulation while incorporating Indigenous values and traditions. The second iteration of the application includes features such as reflective journaling spaces, mood tracking, breathing exercises, social resources, and links helplines when more support is needed. Future studies hope to examine the efficacy of the JoyPopTM application, as well as identify areas where more cultural knowledge can be incorporated (Noronha et al., 2021).

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Open access https://www.erudit.org/en/journals/ijcar/2021-v8-n1-ijcar06077/1077724ar/