Canada Urgently Needs to Support Young People’s Well-being
Canada urgently needs to take action to support the well-being of young people and secure a healthier and more prosperous future for generations to come.
Megatrends
The recently published Commission on Youth Mental Health shows that this problem is global, and in part driven by megatrends — major and long-lasting societal changes such as climate change, insecure employment, and growing intergenerational inequality. These issues are situated within decades of colonial and neoliberal political, social, and economic policies.
The Situation in Canada
Canada is a global leader in creating new mental health services for youth, which began with the creation of a network of programs for youth with psychosis. Lessons learned have inspired transformation in broader youth mental health services, called "Integrated Youth Services" (IYS). Designed with input from youth and their families, IYS do not require transition from pediatric to adult care at age 18, which prevents youth from slipping through the cracks between the two systems.
What to Do
To support young people, the report highlights that society must embrace a strong cultural shift that prioritizes a duty to young people, future generations, and intergenerational equity, ensuring that present-day policies consider their long-term impacts. The influence of megatrends suggests that activism on any of these societal issues can benefit youth mental health.
Conclusion
Prioritizing youth mental health is not just a strategic investment for the country’s resilience — it is an ethical imperative. Young people are tomorrow’s leaders, innovators, and contributors. Ignoring their mental health problems undermines their potential and jeopardizes Canada’s ability to build a prosperous, inclusive society.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the main causes of youth mental health issues?
- Megatrends, such as climate change, insecure employment, and growing intergenerational inequality
- What is the current state of youth mental health in Canada?
- 1.25 million young people require mental health support, and 19% of Canadians between 16 and 34 years old accessed mental health services in the previous year
- What can be done to address youth mental health?
- Embracing a strong cultural shift that prioritizes a duty to young people, future generations, and intergenerational equity, and addressing the root causes of youth mental health issues.
