World Mental Health Day – October 10, 2018

World Mental Health Day recognizes the mental health of young people 

On Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2018, CMHA Peel Dufferin will join international mental health organizations to celebrate World Mental Health Day.

World Mental Health Day is supported by the World Health Organization as an important way to raise awareness and advocate for better care for those with mental health issues worldwide. The theme this year is Young People and Mental Health in a Changing World, in recognition of the risks and challenges faced by young people in today’s world and the need to begin the conversation around how we can better help protect their health.

Young people are vulnerable to constant stressors and challenges. Many are faced with issues of bullying, suicide, effects of trauma, gender identity discrimination and the onset of major mental illnesses with little knowledge of how to deal with them.

About 1 in 5 children and youth in Ontario experiences a mental health challenge and about 70 per cent of mental health challenges begin in childhood or youth. This is why early identification and intervention, building resilience, increasing availability of and access to better services and care are critical in protecting and improving the wellbeing of young people. It’s time to take stand and demand more for this vulnerable population.

CMHA branches across the province provide a variety of youth mental health programs. CMHA Peel Dufferin offers Youth Net, a youth empowering program “by youth for youth”. We are here to break down the barriers between youth and mental health services by reaching out to naturally occurring groups of youth, primarily in schools and in the community.  We offer youth the opportunity to speak and be heard, share opinions, as well as offer and receive support from peers.

Youth Net believes in respecting and valuing youth’s experiences by connecting youth with one another with a commitment to listening without judging. Youth Net believes in responding to what we hear and empowering youth to find healthy coping mechanisms and proactive solutions. Youth Net ensures a safety net of youth-friendly professionals when needed.

For more information on child and youth mental health services offered by CMHA Peel Dufferin, visit our website at www.cmhapeeldufferin.ca

To find more information about child and youth mental health and services in Ontario, visit https://ontario.cmha.ca/mental-health/child-and-youth-mental-health/