This manual identifies the impact of perceived racism and both racial/gender discrimination on mental health of racial and gender minority youth. Whereas racial, gender discrimination is a human rights violation and a psychological process affecting racialised individuals, there is no evidence-based resources on its effects on their mental health. So, this manual looks at how perceived racial and gender discrimination becomes a risk factor for mental, emotional, behavioural, and substance use disorders among racialised youth submerged in the victimhood of lived experiences of discriminatory and racist events.

The manual starts by creating a theoretical foundation on youth mental health determinants: youth mental health and wellbeing; mental illnesses and mental health; mental health risk and protective factors; mental health promotion and prevention; and rights-based approach to youth mental health. Then presents research results from consultations with racialised youth. In this research, we sought to identify how negative youthhood experiences shape youth mental health outcomes: such as experiencing the intersectionality of racial/gender discrimination, racism, gender-based violence, and internalised racism.

Then the manual looks at racial discrimination; internalised racism, gender discrimination, and gender-based violence as risk factors for youth mental health. It further looks at the stigmatisation of youth mental health: stigma, prejudice, and discrimination against youth with mental illness is a very big problem. The youth often avoid or delay seeking help due to concerns about being treated differently and/or fears of losing their jobs and livelihood. The manual concludes by looking at mental health education in youth work: non-formal mental health education, youth work and mental health education, community-based youth-friendly mental health interventions; and how the youth are addressing mental health stigma. Go to the manual