20% of young people experience mental health issues, numbers continue to rise amid 'pandemic hangover'
The Canadian Mental Health Association York Region and South Simcoe has noticed an increased need for programs and services for youth.
“We know that 70 per cent of mental health issues start at a young age, so the earlier we catch an issue, the earlier we can treat it, otherwise it can get worse,” said Rebecca Shields, CEO of CMHA York Region and South Simcoe.
Mental Health in Motion – Sunday 9 June, Newmarket
York Region’s largest youth mental health fundraiser, CMHA’s flagship event, Mental Health in Motion, will be held on June 9, 2024, and will raise much-needed funds to support mental health programs and services for youth ages 12-25 in York Region and South Simcoe.
This fun, family-friendly event will see hundreds of people from the community take part in walking, cycling and running routes starting at the Ray Twinney Recreation Complex in Newmarket. There will be routes for all skill levels and ages, including 60km or 20km cycles and 5km runs or walks.
“Our health system is undergoing major changes and there are ongoing discussions about government pressures on services and underfunding. The funds we raise through Mental Health in Motion directly support ongoing youth programs and innovative new ways to ensure young people receive services when they need them,” she said.
The funds raised will allow MOBYSS to continue its activities.
Mental Health in Motion raises funds to support CMHA's free, confidential and safe Mobile Youth Walk-in Clinics (affectionately known as MOBYSS), where young people can meet with a medical or mental health professional suited to their situation, both mental and physical.
“MOBYSS is a graffiti-covered 35-foot camper that functions as a full primary care office, complete with nurses, youth mental health workers and peer support specialists. We go into schools and other gathering places to ensure young people receive medical care, no questions asked,” she said.
“Whether it's questions about reproductive health, anxiety or depression, suicidal thoughts, or a whole range of other issues, we're there to help. We're always there for young people. It's not like a doctor's office where you only have 15 minutes. We're there until they get what they need or until they can get the next level of service.”
Since its launch in 2015, MOBYSS has supported over 16,000 young people and visited various high schools and community events across York Region and South Simcoe. Funds raised through Mental Health in Motion will help MOBYSS continue its work and help young people know that their community supports their mental health.
“We provide services to kids who might not be able to get to a clinic or hospital, and our 'Mental Health in Motion' events also show young people how people can go out running, walking or cycling to show their support and raise awareness of mental health stigma. For many of us, our lives are affected by our own mental health or the mental health of a loved one, which can make us feel really embarrassed or socially isolated. This event teaches people that they are not alone,” Shields said.
20% of children and young people experience mental health problems
Shields said 20 per cent of children and young people in the region have mental health issues, and the numbers continue to rise as people experience a “pandemic hangover”.
“The loss of years at key ages is affecting young people. There has been social isolation and an unwanted interruption to normal education and schooling. The COVID-19 pandemic is still ongoing, affecting house prices and putting strain on families. Young people are feeling it the most,” she said.
“They are looking at their future with worry and concern. There is a comparison culture due to social media and false expectations of where their kids should be right now. Add in worries about grades and college admissions and further insecurity and it creates a huge burden. Adding these issues to young people when they're still finding themselves is difficult.”
Young people need our support now more than ever
Shields thanked the community for joining in Mental Health in Motion, which raises funds to meet the growing demand for mental health services.
“This is an event for everyone. The conversation around mental health has changed since we first started, and every year more and more people come out and show their support. We hope to continue to see people show their solidarity with the young people in our community,” she said.
“We need to show people that we are a caring community and that we provide good healthcare. As an organisation, CMHA is proud of the support services we provide to people and this event allows people to celebrate and have fun together. It's great to see people's smiles knowing that money is going to young people in need in our community.”
CMHA in our communities
CMHA York Region South Simcoe branch is one of the largest community mental health and substance use support providers in Canada, something Shields is very proud of as CMHA celebrates 40 years in the community.
“Last year, CMHA supported more than 20,000 individuals in the community through 36 programs and services aimed at youth, adults and caregivers. Our programs are based on the diverse needs of the individuals we serve, including case management support, inpatient support requiring a strong multidisciplinary team, and programs supporting stabilization, recovery and rehabilitation,” she said.
For more information about CMHA's free programs and services, visit www.cmha-yr.on.ca
Sign up for Mental Health in Motion today
Mental Health in Motion will take place on Sunday, June 9, 2024, with route start times between 9:30 and 11 a.m. A barbecue lunch will be served to registrants starting at 11:30 a.m. There will also be a virtual component where participants can run, walk or bike the distance any time between now and June 9. The family-friendly event will include live entertainment, a children's activity area, photo booth, silent auction and other fun activities.
For more information, to register or to donate, visit www.cmhainmotion.ca
