Beyond the Numbers: Amplifying Youth Voices in Navigating Mental Health in Canada

ABOUT THE REPORT

Between June and August 2024, MHRC conducted 25 interviews with Canadian youth aged 17 to 27 who mentioned some level of mental health concerns (e.g., high anxiety, depression, or prior use of mental health supports). These individuals were selected at random from a pool of respondents who had recently completed an online blind survey about mental health and had self-identified as experiencing mental health concerns. A blind survey is a market research study that does not disclose the organization conducting the survey or the topic to respondents before completion. Participants were compensated financially for sharing their stories with a commitment from MHRC to privacy and anonymity.  

This report sheds light on the significant barriers youth face in accessing the support they need, and how these barriers impact their mental health journeys.

In Beyond the Numbers: Amplifying Youth Voices in Navigating Mental Health in Canada, we explore the lived experiences of youth as they navigate mental health care in Canada. The findings highlight that youth face significant challenges in accessing mental health care. While some youth are able to access services, many still struggle to find consistent, affordable, and quality support that meets their unique needs.

Key Findings:

  • Difficulty Navigating the Mental Health System:  

    Many youth report that navigating the mental health system is overwhelming and confusing. With complex processes, long wait times, and unclear pathways to care, youth often feel lost when trying to access help. Instead of seeking care independently, many youth rely on informal networks—like family, friends, and teachers—to guide them. However, this reliance underscores a key barrier: there is a need for clearer, more accessible routes to mental health services for youth. 

  • Financial Barriers to Care:
    One of the most significant barriers identified in the report is the cost of mental health care. Many youth who are employed or living independently still struggle to afford therapy, with some expressing that even perceived living wage incomes do not cover the cost of private care. This financial strain limits access for many youth, particularly those without insurance coverage or with limited financial resources.

  • Inconsistent Care for Youth in Public Systems:
    Youth who access public health insurance services often report inconsistent care, such as limited sessions, a lack of continuity in therapists, and long wait times for support. This inconsistency leads to feelings of frustration and can hinder progress in addressing mental health challenges, especially for youth who need ongoing, stable support.

  • Stigma and Mental Health Literacy:
    Despite the growing openness among youth to discuss mental health, stigma remains a significant barrier. There is also a clear gap in mental health literacy, as many youth feel they do not have enough information about mental health or where to access proper care.

  • Social Media Use:
    While social media plays an important role in helping youth stay connected and access mental health information, it also contributes to negative mental health outcomes. Many youth report that social media fosters unrealistic comparisons, body image issues, and feelings of inadequacy, all of which exacerbate mental health struggles.

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A collection of our previously released research briefs providing an in-depth investigation of our polling results can be found here.