Mental health disorders spike in young Canadians

In 2009, 87,859 young aged 12 to 19 were diagnosed with mood disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder, mania or dysthymia (persistent depressive disorder) according to government statistics.  In 2012 that number had risen to 111,930.  There are several theories as to why that is.

“Some people say that they’re being over-protected by this generation of parents, that they’re not prepared for the world and that they aren’t as resilient. I’m not sure I agree with that,” says David Wolfe, senior scientist at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto.

“The other explanation and the one that I believe is that there’s more awareness today about mental health and well-being and just because you seek help doesn’t mean you have a mental health disorder,” he says. “So people are more inclined to get help before it gets worse or before they’re more troubled by it which is a good thing. Whenever you improve services you’re going to see an increase in use.”

Services offered on campus

More Canadian universities and colleges are offering mental health services on campus and there is an increase in use. Wolfe notes that students are at a difficult life stage with a lot of pressure on them to determine their future. He adds that between the ages of 16 to 24 mental disorders become more apparent.

Discussion of mental health issues is much more open in Canada than it was even a decade ago. So there is less stigma attached and people are more likely to get help. Wolfe says families and friends are more likely to be sympathetic as well.

Many people can get support from those close to them and that is enough. But when it becomes difficult to carry on a normal life, it is time to seek professional help.

Many companies offer assistance to their employees. They may pay for a limited number of sessions with a psychologist. They may also have health plans where such services are paid for.