Young people aged 15 to 24 are more likely or vulnerable to experience mental illness or substance use disorder than any other age group. According to Youth Mental Health Canada, an estimated 1.2 million children and youth in Canada are affected by mental illness—yet less than 20 per cent will receive appropriate treatment. By age 25, approximately 20 percent of Canadians will have developed a mental illness. Also, Unicef Canada finds that in general, boys are more likely to die by suicide than girls – three times more likely, on average. Girls, however, attempt suicide twice as often as boys – though they generally choose methods than are less lethal.
Fortunately, a growing body of evidence shows that early intervention for young people with mental health conditions shows a positive outcome, and there are programs and services in Ontario that offer help to children and youth with mental health and addiction concerns up to 18 years of age. If you need help for a child or youth with mental health problems such as anxiety, hyperactivity disorder, depression or with mood disorder, eating disorder, or with schizophrenia, you may contact the following helplines:
Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868
Good to Talk: 1-866-925-5454
Mental Health Helpline: 1-866-531-2600
Ontario Distress Centre: Visit their website at dcontario.org and find nearest location
Or for text message support, text the word “SUPPORT” to 258258