Canada must take motion immediately to support the welfare of youth and secure the healthy and more prosperous way forward for future generations.
Since 2015, before the Kovid -19 pandemic disease begins, Self -reported mental health has decreased especially young people. Currently, 1.25 million young people need mental health help. According to Mental Health Research Canada, in 2024, 19 % of Canada of 16 to 34 years in the previous year accessed mental health services While one other 12 % of people noticed that they needed services but did not receive.
MegTrands
Recently appeared It shows that this problem is global, and partially driven by megalands-we and lasting social changes akin to climate change, unsafe job and increased intercourse inequalities. These problems have been colonial and inside a long time Nine liberal Political, social and economic policies.
In Canada, the consequences of historical and ongoing colonies on the primary nations, Mattis and Invite Youth are clearly clear to the guts, that are clearly clear to the guts, that are Six times higher among the first nations than non -indigenous youth, and 33 times higher in young Invit women from non -indigenous young women. In addition, it has space Obstacles to services and access Desi, 2slgBTQ+, for newcomers, black and ethnic youth, which causes care and help.
Canada, Canada, should work towards changing these megalandas, while also investing in young people's mental health services.
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As a team of mental health researchers and professionals, we're deeply determined to enhance young people's mental health. Without timely help, mental health challenges can disrupt education, relationships and profession development, To create long -term effects for young people, their families and their communities. Individual mental health problems can remain in youth, may be tougher to treat, and stop Healthcare systems and obstruction of economic growth Due to lost productivity.
Influenced by us Commissioner's mental health commissionWhich calls for a world motion to be taken to beat this immediate mental health crisis that affects young people. The global move included diverse sectors, service providers and youth researchers, and led by the Srivadia Ier (youth, mental health, and the co -author of the Canadian research chair within the health system). It pushes a framework for young people's mental health care, all fields providing mental health services (for instance, community centers, stand alone clinics, hospitals) and all types of intervention, which have long -term mental health issues with special services for young people.
The situation in Canada
Canada is a world leader in creating latest mental health services for young people, which has begun with creation A network of programs for young people with psychosis. The lessons learned have affected the changes within the mental health services of wider youth, often called the “Integrated Youth Services”.
Designed with the input of youth and their families, IYS doesn't have to transfer adults from pediatrics on the age of 18, which prevents young people from slipping between the 2 systems. IIs integrate mental health, medical health and other social services. And make basic mental health care services.
Press/ Patrick Dual of Canada
Today, there are about 80 80 IYS hubs Most jurisdictions In the whole CanadaWith about 50 more in development, development. In the federal budget of 2024, Investing $ 500 million in community -based youth mental health services Was probably the most Positively received item By the general public
This services and investments represent Canada's critical commitment to young people's mental health. However, relatively low efforts were made to resolve other elements responding to the aspects that take part in the worst mental health of young people, akin to continuing. Disadvantages of colonialism And Climate Crisis.
To truly solve the mental health crisis of young people, we should always just move beyond the creation of services and the creation of a world that helps young people to realize development. In these areas, the youth themselves have shown the best way through similar measures Desi climate action Youth LeadershipFor, for, for,. Anti -young lab of racism And Every childWho acts on the poverty of the youth.
What can we do?
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The help of young people, the report highlights that society has to just accept a powerful cultural change that prefers duties for young people, future generations and intercontinental equity, ensuring that the current -day policies consider their long -term effects. The influence of the megaTrands shows that activity on any of those social issues can profit the mental health of the youth.
For those that need to take direct motion, advocate for the rise within the financing of mental health and social services, helping local organizations dedicated to youth, adding young people to the choice -making process, and promoting the upbringing of social communities, these are all vital steps.
In the sunshine of the following federal elections, Canada should demand that each one political parties make a transparent plan for the mental health of the youth. Policy making ought to be given priority to youth, family and social needs. Policies ought to be based on evidence, especially since intimally helpful but undesirable ideas can have unannounced consequences (for instance, The negative effects of global prevention efforts) Or may be complicated (akin to relationship between Social media Use And the mental health of young people,
Permanent funding for mental health research can produce knowledge that may concentrate on exercise and policy, can assess and reply to future priorities, testing modern intervention (akin to Based on natureFor, for, for,. Social prescription And Inter -Artaur Connection) And improve the present system and interference.
Young individuals are tomorrow's leaders, innovators and supporters. Ignoring their mental health problems disrupts their ability and endanger Canada's ability to construct a prosperous, comprehensive society. Priority to young people's mental health will not be only a strategic investment for the country's flexibility – this can be a moral.