Bell Let’s Talk Day takes center stage this Wednesday, emphasizing the urgent need for youth mental health services as reports indicate alarming declines in the mental well-being of young Canadians. The most recent findings published by Mental Health Research Canada reveal increasing rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts among youth, painting a concerning picture of their mental health status.
According to Pam Tobin, CEO of the Canadian Mental Health Association Thames Valley, access to care remains critically low. "There are different pathways to access services. We have services at the crisis center for youth," Tobin explained. "We have services through our youth hub, our mental health and addiction services, and through youth housing." The local branch of the organization caters to youth aged 12 to 25, and demand for these services is at unprecedented levels.
Tobin expressed the seriousness of the situation, stating, "I think youth mental health and addiction services right now are really at a peak, and youth are in crisis. The youth are our future; they are future innovators, our leaders, and change makers. So, it’s really important to support youth now at the prevention stage.” The research indicates concerning statistics: only 19 percent of youth accessed mental health services last year, with another nine percent remaining underserved.
Highlighting the necessity for equitable access to mental health services, the report emphasizes early intervention and mental health literacy as key factors to alleviate long-term impacts of mental health issues among the youth population. Despite these clear needs, Tobin noted the continually growing demand is met with funding challenges, stating, "We haven’t received a base increase in over a decade. Even though the complexity of clients continues to increase and the number of clients continues to grow, we don’t have the budget to provide the services, resulting in waitlists.”
Bell Let’s Talk Day, known for its annual initiative promoting mental well-being, invites Canadians to participate by donating $5 through text messages on the day of the event. The donations will go directly to six organizations dedicated to youth mental health, including Integrated Youth Services and Kids Help Phone. The campaign aims to raise awareness and funds to combat the growing mental health crisis among young people.
This year, the Mobile Giving Foundation Canada has organized the text-to-donate campaign, which allows Canadians to double their contributions with Bell matching all donations up to $1 million. The national campaign aims to address the distressing facts surrounding youth mental health, particularly noting suicide as the second leading cause of death for young Canadians.
Recent statistics from the Mental Health Research Canada report indicate roughly 57 percent of young people are unable to access the urgent support they need, evidencing systemic barriers within mental health services. Priority populations identified by the report include 2SLGBTQI+ communities, newcomers, and Black and Indigenous youth, who face increased challenges in obtaining mental health care.
While the campaign and supporting organizations focus on improving access and awareness for mental health care, advocates also raise concerns about external factors impacting youth mental health. Following the inauguration of U.S. President Donald Trump, Canadian advocacy groups have responded to his administration’s policies on gender, particularly those affecting LGBTQ2IA+ rights.
PFLAG Canada, among other organizations, criticized the potentially detrimental impact of Trump's policies, particularly as they relate to youth seeking gender-affirming care. "Any elected officials, political parties, or governments who attempt to enact policies and legislation which harm our community will continue to be appropriately held accountable," commented Tristan Coolman, PFLAG Canada York Region President.
On Bell Let’s Talk Day, the call for collective action to support youth mental health is more important than ever. Though strides are being made to raise awareness and funds, the pressing issues of access and adequacy of services remind us of the work still needed to support the well-being of the younger generations.
The future of youth mental health services depends on not only funding but strategic advocacy to eliminate barriers and develop equitable approaches to care. Experts like Tobin iteratively stress the potential of youth as future leaders, innovators, and change makers, signifying the importance of investing resources where they are needed most.
This year marks the 15th anniversary of efforts represented by Bell Let’s Talk Day. By standing together, Canadians can help reshape the future for youth and promote mental health awareness across the nation.