Mental Health Research Canada’s groundbreaking report on the state of youth mental health is a wake-up call for the nation. The mental health of our young people is in crisis, and the data is clear: urgent action is the only way forward. Jack.org is proud to have partnered with Mental Health Research Canada alongside Kids Help Phone, Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario, the National Association of Friendship Centres, and Strongest Families Institute to bring this vital report to life.
A special thank you to Bell Let’s Talk for their unwavering support in shining a light on how we can—and must—do better for young people in Canada.
Key Findings
Youth Mental Health in Crisis
Every year, ~1.25 million youth in Canada require mental health support. But the majority of them (58%) are not receiving the help they need. This is particularly concerning when considering that suicide remains one of the leading causes of death for young people in Canada.
24% of youth surveyed reported experiencing suicidal thoughts.
8% reported planning a suicide attempt.
These statistics are a stark reminder that urgent improvements to mental health education and access to supports are necessary to prevent further loss.
What Needs to Change?
To address the mental health crisis among youth, we must focus on three key areas:
1. Prevention
- Promote mental health literacy.
- Build resilience and establish strong support networks.
2. Improving Service Quality
- Involve youth in the design and evaluation of mental health services.
- Foster collaboration between service providers and communities.
3. Enhancing Access
- Help youth better navigate mental health supports.
- Create a broad spectrum of services that reflect the diverse needs of youth in Canada.
How You Can Take Action Today
1. Read the Full Report
To understand the gravity of the situation and the solutions that can turn things around, start by diving into the full report. Read it here.
2. Equip Yourself with Support Skills
Learn how to identify the signs of mental health struggles and how to support someone in need. Our **Be There Certificate**, a free digital course, teaches key mental health skills, empowering you to be there for friends and loved ones when it matters most. 80% of course graduates reported using their newly acquired skills to help someone they know.
3. Support Leading Youth Mental Health Organizations
Organizations like Jack.org and our partners are working tirelessly to make a difference in youth mental health. You can support by volunteering, donating, or raising awareness to ensure we continue to have the resources to do our essential work.
Together, we can make sure young people in Canada have the support they need to build healthy, thriving futures. Whether you read the report, complete the Be There Certificate, or lend your voice to advocacy efforts, every action counts.
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