Mental health challenges among young people in Canada are becoming more serious each year. Those between 12 and 25 now face mental health problems more than any other health issue.
According to the Lancet Psychiatry Commission on Youth Mental Health, mental illness makes up 45% of all health issues for people aged 10 to 24. Yet only 2% of the world’s health budgets focus on mental health. This gap needs urgent attention.
Worsening Youth Mental Health
For the past 20 years, mental health among Canadian youth has been getting worse. The COVID-19 pandemic made things harder. Lockdowns and school closures made many young people feel isolated and anxious. In Canada, about 1.25 million youth need mental health support.
A 2024 survey by Mental Health Research Canada found that 19% of those aged 16 to 34 received mental health services, while 12% needed help but couldn’t get it. That’s a big number of young people falling through the cracks.
Big changes in the world are also part of the problem. Climate change, uncertain job prospects, and unfair distribution of wealth between generations all add pressure. These shifts make it harder for young people to feel safe and hopeful about the future.
Most mental illnesses start early in life, often around age 15. Getting help early can make a huge difference. Without support, kids can struggle in school, miss out on important life experiences, and find it hard to become independent. The Commission warns that failing to address these issues can lead to long-term disability and wasted potential. The mental health system must find better ways to help.
The Impact of Major Social Shifts
The Commission points to large-scale changes in society that impact youth mental health. Climate change causes fear about the future. Insecure jobs leave many feeling uncertain about their place in the workforce. Wealth continues to be held by older generations, while young people struggle to gain ground. Social media, while a way to connect, can also increase stress and anxiety, especially when it’s not managed well.
On top of this, Canada’s history of colonialism and economic policies has deepened inequality. Many young people feel left out and under-resourced. The Commission urges Canada to put youth at the centre of its decisions. Long-term thinking must drive policy so that future generations are not left behind.
Canada’s Approach to Youth Mental Health
Canada has led the way in youth mental health services. Programs supporting young people with psychosis have inspired the country’s Integrated Youth Services (IYS) hubs. These centres bring together mental health care, medical help, and social services. They help smooth the shift from children’s care to adult services, so no one is left out at age 18. Nearly 80 IYS hubs are open across Canada, with about 50 more coming.
Youth and families help design these hubs, making sure they meet real needs. IYS offers a wide range of services, from prevention to highly specialised care. This approach has become a model for other countries. But growth is slow, and demand is still higher than what’s available.
Gaps in Support and Funding
Despite these advances, most Canadian young people still don’t get the support they need. The problem is even worse in places with fewer resources. The Commission highlights how mental health is still underfunded compared to physical health. This lack of investment is more than just a budget problem—it’s a failure to support the country’s future.
There aren’t enough mental health workers, like psychologists and psychiatrists. Stigma is also a big barrier—some young people avoid care because they worry about what others will think. More professionals, better funding, and stronger local support are all needed. Youth should also be given a say in decisions about services and resources.
The Power of Youth Involvement
Young people aren’t just on the receiving end—they know best what they need. The Commission stresses real engagement with youth. In Canada, IYS hubs show that involving young people in the design of services leads to better results. Projects like Indigenous Climate Action Youth Leadership, the Anti-Racist Youth Lab, and EveryChildNow are proof that youth-led solutions work.
Dr. Naeem Dalal, the Youth Editor of the Commission, highlights how including a range of diverse voices leads to stronger solutions. Youth must be at the core of mental health research and service design. Their input helps create more lasting improvements.
Economic and Social Reasons to Act
Spending on youth mental health makes sense for the economy. Poor mental health costs Canada billions in lost productivity and disability. Mental illness is now the main cause of disability among young people, even more than physical illnesses. Providing support early saves money and strengthens the future workforce.
Socially, the risks are just as high. The well-being of young people shapes the country’s future. Ignoring their needs puts Canada at risk of social decline. The Commission calls youth mental health a top public health concern. Solutions must be based on research and be well coordinated.
What Needs to Change
The Commission offers a clear path forward. Canada’s IYS model should be expanded to meet growing demand. More funding is needed. Solving workforce shortages will require training more professionals. Campaigns to reduce stigma will help more youth seek care.
Prevention matters as much as treatment. Schools should promote mental well-being, not just academics. Community programs can help kids build strength and cope with challenges. Regulating social media could ease some of the pressure young people feel. Policies need to address big issues like climate change and job security, since these affect mental health too.
Youth must remain at the centre of solutions. Their leadership is key to creating services that work. Funding for youth-led projects and real involvement in policymaking can drive needed change.
A Call for Real Change
The Commission’s report makes it clear: Canada’s youth mental health crisis cannot wait. Major change is needed at every level. In 2024, government leaders announced a youth mental health fund. That’s a good first step, but more action is needed.
Young people are not just a responsibility—they are a source of strength for Canada. Policies should focus on their long-term well-being. By investing in services, listening to youth, and addressing the root causes of distress, Canada can secure a better future for everyone.
Canadian youth need more support for their mental health. The Lancet Psychiatry Commission has raised the alarm. Mental health concerns are putting their future—and the country’s—at risk. Big forces like climate change and job insecurity add to the pressure.
Canada’s IYS hubs are helping, but there are still gaps in access and funding. Youth involvement is key. They must have a say in solutions. To make real progress, Canada needs more funding, a bigger mental health workforce, and less stigma.
Both prevention and treatment matter. Schools, communities, and policies must all pull in the same direction. Canada has the tools to lead. Now is the time to act. The future depends on the health of its young people.
