Mental health is more than the absence of mental disorders. [2] Just like physical health, everyone possesses mental health and may encounter challenges related to their mental well-being. [3] Individuals with positive mental health are better able to unlock their full potential, effectively manage every day stresses, thrive in learning and work, and actively contribute to their communities. [2]

Mental health is dynamic and multifaceted, varying from person to person and evolving over time in response to life’s circumstances. [2] A multitude of factors including genetics, life experiences, social supports, environmental conditions, and access to mental health resources and services, can influence one’s mental health journey. [2] Establishing a strong emotional and social foundation in the early years and adolescence can pave the way for mental well-being and resilience throughout life. [4]

According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, good mental health includes:

Child and youth mental health is a growing concern across Canada, particularly among females. [6, 7] In Halton, there was an increase in emergency department (ED) visits for mental health concerns among youth in the years leading up to the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing by 1.3 times for males aged 10-17 between 2011 and 2019, and 1.9 times for females aged 10-17 during this time period. [8] In addition to females, racial/ethnic, gender and sexual minorities often experience poorer mental health outcomes due to a variety of factors including discrimination, stigma and barriers to accessing appropriate mental health services. [9] Research has also found that Canadians in the lowest income group are three to four times more likely to report poor or fair mental health compared to those in the highest income group. [10] Additional factors linked to poorer mental health in Canadian youth include food insecurity, homelessness, trauma or violence, bullying, sleep difficulties, family history of mental illness, screen-time and problematic social media use. [11]

More recently, the COVID-19 pandemic introduced disruptive elements like school closures, virtual learning, lockdowns, and reduced social interactions, profoundly affecting the mental health and wellbeing of children and youth. [12, 13] These disruptions to youth occurred during a crucial period of development, as most mental health disorders emerge during young adulthood. [12] A spring 2020 survey found that 24% of Canadians reported that their mental health was fair or poor, up from just 8% in 2018, with the sharpest decline observed among youth and young adults aged 15-24. [14] Additionally, a 2020 survey among Halton adults revealed that 81% of parents expressed concern about their child’s mental health during the pandemic. [15] Among Halton children aged 0-17, the rate of outpatient visits for mental health and addictions increased from 2,994 per 100,000 prior to the pandemic to 3,415 per 100,000 during the pandemic. [16] The Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey found that the percentage of Ontario students in grades seven to twelve that rated their mental health as fair or poor increased from 27% in 2019 to 38% in 2021. [17]

There can be no overall health without mental health. As Halton emerges from the pandemic, numerous organizations and agencies dedicated to serving children, youth and families have made mental health a top priority. Effectively supporting the mental health of youth requires a collective effort. By gathering insights directly from Halton’s youth, we can gain a deeper understanding of their strengths, challenges, and mental health needs. Together, as a community, we can leverage this information to continue to promote and sustain mental health, providing Halton youth with the opportunity to realize their full potential and capabilities.