Our cause
PREVENTING PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS IN YOUNG PEOPLE
Our cause
PREVENTING PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS IN YOUNG PEOPLE
Adolescence can be a fragile time during which teens can be particularly susceptible to psychological distress. Self-discovery, first loves, and relationships with friends and family can all be sources of great joy, but they can also be challenging to mental health in adolescence. For some teens, these life experiences can become struggles that are hard to overcome and can even lead to teenage anxiety and depression.
Adolescence can be a fragile time during which teens can be particularly susceptible to psychological distress. Self-discovery, first loves, and relationships with friends and family can all be sources of great joy, but they can also be challenging to mental health in adolescence. For some teens, these life experiences can become struggles that are hard to overcome and can even lead to teenage anxiety and depression.
Anxiety and depression in adolescence
Portrait of youth well-being
In 2019, we published the Portrait of youth well-being, which gave a complete overview of the mental health of young Quebecers.
See it here
Acting quickly to change lives
Psychological distress is at the core of most of the issues faced by teens. It is linked to other mental health issues in teens, as well as to bullying, drug addiction and dropping out of school.
The earlier young people are made aware of mental health issues, the better their chances are of receiving appropriate care.
When the first signs of mental health problems are taken seriously, long-term consequences can be much less severe.
Learn more about our school workshop program10x
Teens experiencing depression are 10 times as likely to drop out of school.
41%
of teens experiencing depression have suicidal thoughts.
50%
of mental health disorders appear before the age of 14, and 75% appear before the age of 22.
Understanding the different facets of distress
Psychological distress can take on many forms. Between 2011 and 2017, anxiety issues doubled among young people. Why? Health professionals have pointed to the excessive use of screens and social media, school pressure, an unhealthy lifestyle and overprotection from people in their lives as primary causes.
That being said, the suicide rate among 15- to 19-year-olds has dropped by 71% since 1998. This encouraging decrease follows the implementation of many preventive measures for young people, including our school workshop, Partners for Life.
Because we give young people the right tools at the right time, our work has proved successful. It’s also thanks to our donors, stakeholders, facilitators and collaborators, who work tirelessly to advance our mission of bringing awareness about the importance of taking care of one’s mental health to each generation, that we are able to make such a claim.
See how you’re making an impactInvesting in the future
Students dropping out, an overloaded public healthcare system… depression is a significant burden on the economy. By focusing on awareness, prevention and early intervention, we can create substantial savings for the public sector. Untreated mental health issues can have long-lasting negative repercussions on the entire community that go far beyond dollars spent.
Preventing psychological distress in young people contributes directly to a better future for all.
$50 BILLION
Estimated annual cost of mental health issues in Canada.
25% potential savings
for the public services sector when depression is tackled early on
According to a Mental Health Commission of Canada report.
Eliminating taboos
Young people are still hesitant to speak out when they need help because they’re scared of being judged or misunderstood, or of worrying or disappointing their loved ones. But in order to get better, they need to start by talking about it.
Our workshops on psychological distress are meant to inform and encourage discussion in schools, where it counts most. They can often be the catalyst that motivates young people in distress to get help.
Mia
“Going to schools to talk about this subject can help a lot of people” – Mia.
Discover Mia's storyLet’s unite
Parents, teachers, health care professionals, organizations: Let’s work together to prevent psychological distress.
Our actions
Workshops to prevent and educate young people aged 11 to 18 about psychological distress
Learn moreOur tools
Solutions for adults and teens to raise awareness, support and help find answers on a daily basis
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