Urgent Mental Health Needs Of Young People In Canada: A Global Commission's Insights

Viktoria Ivanova

4 min read

Post on May 03, 2025

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Rising Rates of Mental Health Issues Among Canadian Youth

Prevalence of Anxiety and Depression

The prevalence of anxiety and depression among Canadian youth is alarmingly high. Statistics from the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) and Statistics Canada reveal a concerning trend.

• Anxiety disorders affect approximately one in five young Canadians.
• Depression affects an estimated one in seven.
• These rates are significantly higher than those reported just a decade ago.

Several factors contribute to this concerning rise in anxiety and depression among youth:

• Increased pressure to succeed academically.
• The pervasive influence of social media and cyberbullying.
• Economic insecurity and the impact of societal inequalities.
• Limited access to adequate support systems.

Other Emerging Mental Health Concerns

Beyond anxiety and depression, Canadian youth face a range of other significant mental health challenges:

• Eating disorders are on the rise, particularly among young women.
• Self-harm behaviors are increasingly prevalent, requiring urgent attention and intervention.
• Suicidal ideation and attempts are a serious concern, demanding immediate and effective preventative measures.

These issues disproportionately affect specific subgroups of youth:

• Indigenous youth experience significantly higher rates of mental health issues due to historical trauma and ongoing systemic inequities.
• LGBTQ2S+ youth face unique challenges related to discrimination, stigma, and lack of inclusive support services. Addressing youth mental health in Canada requires a nuanced understanding of these diverse needs.

Systemic Barriers to Accessing Mental Healthcare

Lack of Accessible and Affordable Services

Young people in Canada face significant hurdles in accessing timely and affordable mental healthcare:

• Long wait times for therapy and psychiatric care are common, often delaying crucial interventions.
• The high cost of mental healthcare services creates a significant barrier for many families, especially those with lower incomes.
• Geographic disparities in access to care mean that youth in rural and remote communities often lack access to essential mental health services. Improving mental health for young Canadians demands overcoming these geographical barriers.

Stigma and Barriers to Help-Seeking

Stigma surrounding mental illness remains a major obstacle preventing young people from seeking help:

• Fear of judgment and discrimination discourages many from disclosing their struggles.
• Lack of awareness about available resources and support services further hinders help-seeking behaviors.

Strategies to reduce stigma and encourage help-seeking include:

• Public awareness campaigns to destigmatize mental illness.
• Training for educators, healthcare professionals, and community leaders on mental health awareness.
• Creating safe and supportive environments where young people feel comfortable seeking help.

Key Recommendations from the Global Commission

The Global Commission's report offers critical recommendations for improving youth mental health in Canada.

Investing in Prevention and Early Intervention

The Commission strongly advocates for increased investment in prevention and early intervention programs:

• School-based programs focused on mental health literacy, stress management, and social-emotional learning.
• Community-based initiatives offering accessible and culturally appropriate support services for young people and their families.

Improving Access to Mental Healthcare Services

The Commission emphasizes the need to improve access to quality mental healthcare services:

• Significant increases in funding to expand the availability of mental health professionals.
• Investment in telehealth and remote mental health services to overcome geographical barriers.
• Development of innovative service delivery models that are youth-friendly and culturally sensitive.

Addressing Systemic Inequities

The Commission highlights the urgent need to address systemic inequities affecting specific groups of young people:

• Targeted programs and services to address the unique mental health needs of Indigenous youth, LGBTQ2S+ youth, and other marginalized groups.
• Addressing the root causes of social and economic inequalities that contribute to disparities in mental health outcomes. Improving youth mental health in Canada necessitates acknowledging and addressing these systemic issues.

Conclusion: Addressing the Urgent Mental Health Needs of Young People in Canada

The Global Commission's report paints a stark picture of the urgent mental health needs of young people in Canada. Rising rates of mental health issues, coupled with systemic barriers to access and persistent stigma, demand immediate and comprehensive action. Investing in prevention and early intervention programs, improving access to quality mental healthcare services, and addressing systemic inequities are crucial steps towards ensuring the well-being of young Canadians.

Take action today to support improved youth mental health in Canada. Learn more about available resources and advocate for change. Visit the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) website [link to CMHA website] for more information on Canadian youth mental health support and to find resources for improving mental health for young Canadians.