Question

A 21-year-old Indigenous university student presents to campus health services with worsening low mood, social withdrawal and intermittent thoughts of self-harm without a plan. He describes feeling disconnected from his community and experiencing racism on campus. Which approach best reflects CanMEDS-aligned, culturally safe management?

Accepted Answer

Explore his experiences of racism, validate his concerns, offer evidence-based therapy, and where acceptable connect him with Indigenous counselling or Elders

Answer

Focus solely on medication and avoid discussion of racism or culture to remain neutral

Answer

Advise him to ignore racist comments and concentrate on studies

Answer

Immediately call police because he mentions self-harm

Answer

Tell him that depression is rare in Indigenous populations and that his symptoms are likely transient

Practice question