Youth Mental Health Problems in Canada
What is Mental Health
Mental health is your psychological and emotional well-being. Good mental health is needed to live a healthy and productive life. If a person's mental health is not good then they can suffer from mental illness.
A lot of things can affect mental health such as:
- Your relationships with family and friends
- Social situations like employment, finances and your home life
- Your Community environment like safety and security
- School and work environment
- Your physical health including substance use
What is Mental Illness
Mental illnesses are health problems that affects a persons thoughts, feelings and behavior. It creates challenges for a person and can disrupt their life. There are different types of mental illnesses based on their symptoms.
Types of Mental Illnesses
- Anxiety disorders such as panic attacks and phobias
- Mood disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder
- Psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia
- Personality disorders such as borderline personality disorder
- Eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia
- Childhood disorders like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder(ADHD)
About Youth Mental Health
Youth mental health focuses on emotional and psychological well-being of people between 12-24 years old. Youth mental health has been getting worse since the COVID-19 pandemic. Suicide is also the second leading cause of death for Canadian youth between the ages of 16-24 which is 21%. According to the Mental Health Commission of Canada, 1.2 million children and youth are suffering from mental illness. The symptoms of mental illness start before age 18 in 70% of people so it is very important that youth are able to get services and have resources when needed.
How to Improve Mental Health
Improving mental health involves daily lifestyle habits to improve health such as practicing good sleep habits, getting physical exercise, eating a healthy diet, and limiting screen time.It is also important to get help when when needed by talking to someone to help overcome a mental health problem.
- Good sleep habits involves getting around 8-10 hours of sleep each night which improves mood
- Physical activity is getting regular exercise to reduce stress and improve mood
- Proper nutrition mean eating a a healthy well balanced diet
- Limiting screen time means setting time limits for social media and phone use especially before bedtime.
Resources to Support Youth
Crisis Support
Here are some resources available in a crisis:
- Kids Help Phone: Call 1-800-668-6868 or text HELLO to 686868
- Suicide and Crisis Line: Call or text 9-8-8