A recent survey has revealed concerning results about the state of mental health among youth in Ontario. The findings, which were described as “jarring,” show a worsening trend in the mental well-being of young people in the province.
The survey, conducted by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), collected data from over 10,000 students in grades 7 to 12 across Ontario. It found that 46% of students reported experiencing moderate to severe symptoms of anxiety, while 35% reported symptoms of depression.
These numbers are significantly higher than those reported in a similar survey conducted in 2017, which showed 34% of students experiencing anxiety and 24% experiencing depression. This indicates a concerning increase in mental health issues among Ontario’s youth in just four years.
The survey also revealed that 13% of students reported having seriously considered suicide in the past year, with 4% reporting having attempted it. These numbers are also higher than those reported in 2017, which were 10% and 3%, respectively.
Experts are pointing to the COVID-19 pandemic as a major contributing factor to the worsening mental health of youth. The disruption of daily routines, isolation, and uncertainty about the future have all taken a toll on young people’s mental well-being.
Dr. Joanna Henderson, the director of the Centre for Youth Mental Health at CAMH, emphasized the need for immediate action to address this issue. “We need to prioritize the mental health of our youth and provide them with the support and resources they need to cope with these challenging times,” she said.
The survey also highlighted the need for increased access to mental health services for youth. Currently, only 25% of students reported receiving mental health support, with many citing long wait times and difficulty accessing services.
The results of this survey serve as a wake-up call for policymakers and society as a whole. It is crucial that we prioritize the mental health of our youth and take concrete steps to address this growing issue. As a community, we must work together to ensure that young people have the support and resources they need to thrive.
