Saskatchewan parents are taking a stand to raise awareness for youth mental health after the tragic death of their teenage son.
The parents, who wish to remain anonymous, lost their 16-year-old son to suicide in April. In the wake of their devastating loss, they are determined to bring attention to the importance of mental health support for young people.
According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, suicide is the second leading cause of death among youth aged 15-24. This alarming statistic highlights the urgent need for increased awareness and resources for youth mental health.
The grieving parents are speaking out in hopes of preventing other families from experiencing the same heartache. They believe that more needs to be done to support young people struggling with mental health issues.
In an interview with CTV News, the parents shared their son’s struggles with anxiety and depression, which they believe were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. They also expressed their frustration with the lack of accessible mental health resources for youth in their community.
The parents are now working with local organizations and mental health advocates to raise awareness and promote open conversations about mental health. They hope to break the stigma surrounding mental illness and encourage young people to seek help when needed.
Their efforts have already gained support from the community, with many people sharing their own experiences with mental health and offering words of encouragement to the grieving family.
As the school year comes to an end and summer break begins, the parents are urging parents and caregivers to check in with their children and have open and honest conversations about mental health. They also encourage young people to reach out for help if they are struggling.
The tragic loss of their son has sparked a movement in Saskatchewan to prioritize youth mental health and provide better support for those in need. The parents hope that their son’s death will not be in vain and that it will bring about positive change for the mental well-being of young people in their community and beyond.
