Celebrating National Child and Youth Mental Health Day 2026

Célébrer la Journée nationale de la santé mentale des enfants et des jeunes 2026

YMHC Staff

Childhood is the most formative period of our lives. It is the time when we start to get a deeper understanding of who we are as we learn more about ourselves and the world around us. This makes it an extremely critical phase in our development, one which must be treated with great care and attention. Like a quote by Haim Ginott, a renowned child psychologist says, "Children are like wet cement: whatever falls on them makes an impression." Childhood is like a blank canvas that is slowly shaped by experiences both good and bad. Consequently, the responsibility rests largely on parents and the adults in their lives, not only to provide guidance, but also to guard the outlets their children are exposed to. Most importantly, they must intentionally create a safe & non-judgemental environment where children feel comfortable expressing themselves freely. Home should serve as an anchor especially when life gets unpredictable.

What is National Child and Youth Mental Health Day?

National Child and Youth Mental Health Day, popularly known as 'May 7', was established in 2007 by FamilyStart: a British Columbia based non-profit organization that offers support and community to parents and adults of children and youth facing mental health and substance use challenges. Their organization advocates for the belief that knowledge is power, and that when adults are equipped with the appropriate resources, they become more capable to take on the challenges presented in their individual journeys.

National Child and Youth Mental Health Day was established to raise awareness about youth mental health issues, as well as to demonstrate how creating meaningful connections between youth and the adults in their lives through little acts of care and intention can drastically improve their mental health. This year, FamilyStart has adopted the phrase "I care about you" as the anchor for their messaging. Over the years, other organizations have adopted unique themes that resonate with their present focus such as the Children's Mental Health Ontario's 2026 theme, "Come together" which recognizes the role connection plays in fostering mental health and well being.

What is Mental Health and why is it important?

Mental health is a state of positive mental well being that enables people to cope and manage the challenges and stressors of life effectively. This could range from challenges in one's personal life to school, workplace, and societal struggles. Mental Health is more than just the absence of a mental illness. While it is true that there are certain clinically diagnosed illnesses such as: Depression, Bipolar Disorder and eating disorders, it is important to note that the root cause of most conditions are external, either through exposure to harmful substances at early ages, domestic violence or intergenerational trauma. The fact remains that our environment largely contributes to the state of our Mental Health as we find that those in adverse health circumstances are at higher risk of developing a mental health illness. This reinforces the importance of protective mental health practices and policies for the younger generation who have little to no control over their environment. Nonetheless, attention should not be solely targeted towards the environment that produces these challenges but moreso, how each individual approaches said situations and the long-term impact/effect this has on their wellbeing.

Some common mental health issues popular within children and youth include:

Anxiety disorders

Anxiety disorders, identified as the most prevalent mental condition affecting children and adolescents. It can be described as the body's physiological and emotional response to a potential threat or harm characterized by persistent feelings of nervousness and fear leading to impaired functioning in everyday life. Anxiety is believed to be a natural feeling experienced during each child's development, especially as a response to new environments, and situations. However, the factor that marks anxiety into a disorder is the longevity of symptoms and their impact on an individual's daily functioning.

Anxiety disorders exist in different forms. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders recognizes seven anxiety disorders including separation anxiety disorder, selective mutism, specific phobia, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, agoraphobia, and generalized anxiety disorder. However, these can present similar symptoms across children. Thus, patients must be evaluated across multiple parameters such as patient history and parent-reported symptoms and functioning, focused medical, developmental, and mental health history and direct observation of parent-child interactions to arrive at a specific diagnosis.

Depression

Depression is commonly classified as a mood disorder. It is described as a prolonged feeling of sadness and loss of interest in activities to the point of hopelessness. Children with depression typically present with various symptoms, both physical and mental. Thus, these symptoms must persist for a period of 2 weeks or more to achieve a concrete diagnosis. Depression also impacts an individual's functioning in everyday life. It is characterized by major changes in how children feel, their thought patterns, behaviour and physical health including:

  • Change in feelings: Children may express severe feelings of sadness, worry, fear, and anger.
  • Change in thought patterns: Depression may present through feelings of low self-esteem or self blame by addressing themselves negatively or expressing feelings of inadequacy.
  • Change in behaviour: Children may become more withdrawn from social activities they normally enjoy and also have random outbursts/reactions to minor incidents.
  • Change in physical health: Children may lose or gain weight drastically over time due to a severe change in appetite.

All of these symptoms can be associated with various conditions so it is important to seek medical advice when they are identified. In most cases, depression is onset in early childhood and continues through adolescence into early adulthood.

Eating Disorders

Eating disorder is a group of conditions characterized by a disorderly relationship with food that involves obsessive behaviours towards food either through excessive eating or starvation. Eating disorders can range from mild symptoms such as skipping a few meals a day to more severe symptoms like intentionally purging and releasing food. The effects of eating disorder can be particularly concerning for youth, as they are still in their developmental stages and could lead to side effects such as stunted growth and health ailments as a result of nutrient deficiencies. 5% of adolescents are estimated to be affected by eating disorders in Canada. However, despite its prevalence there are still cases of oversight or delays in diagnosis.

Eating disorders are grouped into three main categories: anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. Anorexia nervosa is characterized by excessive starvation, usually to maintain a certain body image and physical appearance. Anorexia nervosa is mostly prevalent in the female population, with 90% to 95% of people diagnosed with anorexia nervosa identifying as female. With the highest mortality rate of a psychiatric illness, Anorexia nervosa poses a major risk to the youth population and should be treated with high concern. Bulimia nervosa is characterised by cycles of uncontrolled eating followed by self-induced purging and regurgitation of food in order to erase the lasting effects of food. The effects of Bulimia nervosa are less apparent than anorexia nervosa but can usually be identified by drastic fluctuations in weight gain and loss. Lastly, Binge eating disorder is characterized by episodes of uncontrollable eating and feelings of discontent and sadness post the episode.

Beyond these ailments, there are multiple illnesses affecting Canadian youth such as psychosis, self-harm and substance use, and increasing awareness is being created for them as the burdens of mental health struggles transcend beyond the children involved, but also into their personal relationships and society at large. For parents of children living with mental health conditions, most of which take up the role of 'care givers', their lives become heavily influenced by their wards as a result of how dependent the children become. For example, a report by Children Mental Health Research Quarterly found that parents of children living with mental health conditions were significantly more likely to spend more than four hours a week looking for childcare for their children compared to parents of children with physical conditions. In some cases, they could be forced to miss work completely due to high child care costs to care for their children. The health of parents of children living with mental health conditions have also been found to be linked to the health of their children. A US survey showed that approximately 18% of teens that reported suffering with anxiety corresponded with about 20% of mothers and 15% of fathers suffering with anxiety while 15% of teens suffering with depression corresponded with 16% of mothers and 10% of fathers suffering with the same ailment. This shows the significant impact adverse mental health has on caregivers which in some cases is slightly higher than that of the children involved. Consequently, negative mental health also impacts the society at large by stifling individual contributions to economic growth advancement as well as redirecting funds that could have been used for other alternatives.

The existing gap in Canadian healthcare

Mental Health like physical health is a significant part of total wellbeing and like every other societal need, provisions must be made to ensure that mental health services are made available to families in need. The Canadian Institute for Health Information conducted a study to evaluate the trends and patterns for children and youth ages 5 to 24 that received treatment for mental health disorders between 2018 and 2024. The study found that overtime, the rate of children and youth ages 5 to 24 that visited the Emergency Department and were hospitalized for mental health related disorders had severely declined. For instance, there was a 31% decline in mental health related visits to the ER from 2023-2024 compared to the rate from 2018-2019. The hospitalized patients also significantly decreased between 2018 to 2019 and 2023-2024 as the rate in the latter was 23% lower than the rate in 2018-2019. This disparity could suggest that the severity of cases had decreased over the years. On the other hand, the rate of physician visits for mental health disorders has remained relatively stable overtime whereas the use of mood and antipsychotic medications for children and youth experiencing mental health disorders has increased overtime. This revealed a clear shift in the preferred mode of delivery for mental health services with youth and children leaning towards less traditional models such as virtual mental health services.

A study conducted by Children's Mental Health Research Quarterly revealed that only 44.2% of Canadian children living with mental health disorders received any form of service while this ranged from 43.7% (12-17 years) to 61.5% (4-11 years) for Ontario natives. This data indicates a severe shortfall in mental health services for adolescents across the board. A closer look into the Ontario data showed that the highest proportion of service received in both cases were from schools which reveals that the educational system is a critical delivery medium for mental health services and needs to be continuously evaluated for effectiveness.

Addressing the Shortfalls

With the awareness of the long term effects of negative mental health on the adolescent population, it is imperative for the Canadian government to adopt revised strategies to address the shortages and implement policies that promote accessible mental health care for all citizens.

  • Implement Targeted healthcare programs: Programs should be tailored to the needs of marginalized communities to ensure effectiveness and appropriate accommodation of each group's needs.
  • Expand Mental Health funding: As the need for mental healthcare continues to increase, Canada must align its mental health budget to reflect demand in order to improve service availability, shorten wait times and ensure sustained program delivery. In 2025, the government announced the launch of the Youth Mental Health Fund to cater to the unique needs of Canadian youth and children.
  • Subsidize mental health services: A major limitation on access to mental healthcare are the high costs and financial barriers associated with accessing care. To address this, the Canadian government can introduce affordable/subsidized public services to direct it to those who need it the most.
  • Prioritize youth-focused programs: Youth-focused programs should be prioritized to promote early intervention and support for the younger generation.
  • Promote regional equity: The Canadian government should align mental health delivery models and structure across regions and provinces to streamline access and care across the nation.

Common Misconceptions about Mental Health

Myth: You only need to take care of your mental health if you have a mental health condition.

Fact: As the saying goes "Prevention is better than cure". Thus, it is important to take active steps to improve our mental health, even in the absence of a mental illness.

Myth: Mental health impairment in adolescents is caused by bad parenting.

Fact: Mental health challenges can be influenced by multiple factors such as bullying, unemployment and homelessness. Despite Bad parenting being a contributing factor to negative mental health, it is not the sole cause of mental health illnesses in adolescents.

Myth: A mental health illness shows weakness; if the person were stronger, they would not have the condition.

Fact: A mental health condition is not associated with weakness or timidity. It is not a condition that can be controlled at will but an impairment that impacts regular functioning.

How to observe National Child and Youth Mental Health Day today and beyond

As an Individual

  • Prioritize self care: Set some time aside to engage in activities that help you relax and recharge. Some therapeutic activities include: reading a book, taking a nature walk, journaling etc.
  • Identify your triggers: As a young person, take the time to reflect on the environments, activities and gatherings that negatively impact your mental health and identify strategies to address them.
  • Promote Mental Health Awareness on social media: There are still a lot of misconceptions about the significance of mental health care. Thus, spreading awareness on social media can help demystify myths.

As a Parent

  • Nurture your parent-child relationship with your younger ones: Ask questions about their interests to learn more about them.
  • Maintain a safe home environment: Ensure that children feel comfortable opening up about their feelings by encouraging them to share their personal experiences.
  • Teach children how to manage stressful situations: Teach children stress management techniques such as breathing techniques to boost their resilience in uncomfortable situations.

As an Organisation

  • Contribute to the growth of mental health focused initiatives: Donate towards mental health focused initiatives.
  • Raise awareness within your community: Set up a campaign to raise awareness.

Within the Workplace

  • Promote the adoption of mental wellness related policies within your organization:
    • Encourage leadership to model healthy work-life balance and openness around mental health.
    • Establish confidential channels for employees to seek support or report concerns.
  • Advocate for the inclusion of wellness benefits in each employee's compensation package: Advocate for comprehensive health plans that include accommodations for mental health care e.g therapy.

Within Schools

  • Create Awareness Campaigns: Develop posters, announcements, or social media content that educates students about mental health and available support resources.
  • Organize Wellness Events: Host activities such as mindfulness and meditation sessions and panel discussions with mental health professionals.
  • Provide mental health support services for students on campus: Ensure that in-person counseling services are available for students in need.
  • Educate students about mental healthcare: Ensure that mental health care is appropriately incorporated into student curriculum.

Resources and Support

If you're experiencing a mental health crisis or having thoughts of self-harm or suicide, please reach out for help immediately. You are not alone, and support is available:

Canadian Crisis Lines

  • 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline
  • Available 24/7 for anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts or emotional distress
  • Call or text 9-8-8

Kids Help Phone

  • For young people up to age 29
  • Available 24/7
  • Call 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868

Crisis Text Line

  • Text HOME to 686868
  • Available 24/7

The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)

  • Canada's largest mental health teaching hospital
  • Provides expert training to health care professionals and scientists
  • Develops innovative health promotion and prevention strategies, and advocates on public policy issues at all levels of government

Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)

  • Non-profit organization committed to providing accessible mental health care
  • Development of resources and support for children living with mental health illnesses and their families

For a comprehensive list of crisis supports in Canada and internationally, visit YMHC's Crisis Supports page.

Finding Professional Support

If stress is impacting your daily life, consider reaching out to:

  • Your family doctor or healthcare provider
  • A mental health professional (psychologist, counselor, or therapist)
  • Campus counseling services if you're a student
  • Your workplace Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Community mental health centers

YMHC Resources for Mental Health

Fostering Youth and Children mental health support is at the core of what we do at Youth Mental Health Canada (YMHC). YMHC offers a comprehensive range of evidence-based resources to support your mental wellness journey.

Mental Wellness Workbooks

Our workbooks incorporate international best practices in mental health, including Social Emotional Learning, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy approaches:

Printable Digital Booklets

These focused resources address specific aspects of mental wellness:

Professional Training

For educators, mental health professionals, and community workers: Youth Wellness Action Plan (YWAP) Training Course: An online certification program that equips professionals with evidence-based strategies to recognize, support, and strengthen youth mental health through personalized wellness action planning.

Free Support Services

YMHC offers several complimentary services to support your mental wellness:

References

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