It affects all Canadians at some time in their lives, either personally or through family members, friends or colleagues.
It is estimated that 10—20% of Canadian youth are affected by a mental illness.
We spoke to four young people about their own unique experiences of mental health challenges, and with the system and their communities.
They agreed to share their stories, in their own words, to help make change and raise awareness.
MEET THE YOUTH MAKING A DIFFERENCE. HEAR THEIR INDIVIDUAL STORIES.
EM
Within the mental health system, Em found that the lack of understanding and flexibility around diagnosis was restrictive and limiting on receiving a proper diagnosis. After seeing multiple therapists, psychiatrists and going in and out of different programs for over a decade before receiving an accurate diagnosis and feeling supported by their care team. Em believes youth involvement in system development is integral to improving mental health services and preventing this from happening to others.
AUGUSTINA
After experiencing psychosis for 9 months — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week — Augustina shares her story to challenge the stigma surrounding mental health on a systematic level, but also on a personal level within her family and community. She is an advocate for wholistic and unconventional types of treatment, such as painting and dance, alongside therapy and medication. Augustina found this integral to her own personal treatment.
CHLOE
After experiencing panic attacks at a very young age, completely unaware of anxiety, depression and their symptoms, Chloe hopes her work with CAMH will provide youth with a better understanding of what mental health and illness is, so they are aware of what is happening if they experience challenges, and have the information and confidence they need to seek help.
MAHALIA
Mahalia advocates for youth engagement as a method of treatment for mental health. Having a safe space to discuss her own personal experiences with anxiety and depression was instrumental — and still is — to her own mental wellness. She believes eliminating power dynamics between youth and physicians can be a life saving tool for young people.
ENGAGING YOUTH CAN HELP CHANGE THE SYSTEM.
Only 1 in 5 youth in Canada who needs mental health services receives them.
Wait lists for supports and services for youth in a mental health crisis are often ONE YEAR OR MORE.
The STIGMA attached to mental health presents a serious BARRIER to diagnosis, treatment and acceptance in the community.
Engaging youth is crucial in building a better system for them.
All the youth interviewed are part of the CAMH Youth Engagement Initiative (YEI), which facilitates collaboration between young people who have lived experience of mental health challenges and clinicians, researchers, and other decision-makers.
Youth play a key role in system and service planning, education and research activities. Collaborating with youth results in goals and outcomes within the system that are more relevant and better reflect the needs of youth.
