Supporting Youth Mental Health: Tools for Parents and Educators
Parenting and teaching are both deeply rewarding, but also incredibly challenging — especially when it comes to supporting youth mental health. In Canada, research shows that young people aged 16–24 are experiencing higher rates of anxiety, depression, and stress than ever before (Government of Canada, 2023). From academic pressures to social media comparisons, climate anxiety, and uncertainty about the future, teens and young adults often carry heavy emotional loads that can leave them feeling sad, anxious, or even angry.
For parents and educators, it can feel overwhelming to know how to respond. How do you support a teen struggling with anxiety without overstepping? How can you recognize the signs of depression early? The good news is that there are practical, tangible strategies you can implement at home or in school to help youth navigate these challenges while promoting long-term mental health and resilience.
Understanding Youth Mental Health in Canada
Mental health challenges in youth are common. Nearly 1 in 4 youth in Canada has been diagnosed with a mental illness, and two-thirds of mental health disorders emerge before age 25 (Government of Canada, 2023). Common issues include:
Anxiety: Constant worry, tension, or nervousness about school, social relationships, or the future.
Depression: Persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, low energy, or difficulty concentrating.
Stress and anger: Emotional outbursts or irritability related to academic pressures or personal challenges.
Recognizing these signs early is crucial. Left unaddressed, they can affect sleep, social relationships, academic performance, and overall well-being (Canadian Mental Health Association, 2024).
Practical Strategies for Parents and Educators
1. Foster Open, Judgment-Free Communication
Listen actively: Give your full attention without interrupting or immediately offering solutions.
Validate feelings: Instead of dismissing emotions, acknowledge them. For example, say, “I can see why that would make you feel anxious.”
Use open-ended questions: Encourage expression by asking, “How did that make you feel?” or “What would help you feel calmer?”
2. Encourage Healthy Expression of Emotions
Teens may struggle to articulate feelings in words. Encouraging alternative forms of expression can be powerful:
Journaling or creative writing: Helps youth process feelings of sadness or anger.
Art and music therapy: Drawing, painting, or playing an instrument can provide an emotional outlet.
Physical activity: Exercise helps regulate stress hormones, promotes calm, and improves overall mental health (Health Infobase, 2023).
3. Teach Coping and Self-Regulation Skills
Practical tools can empower youth to manage anxiety or depression:
Breathing exercises: Techniques like box breathing (inhale 4 counts, hold 4, exhale 4, hold 4) can reduce acute anxiety.
Grounding exercises: Encourage noticing five things they can see, four they can touch, three they can hear, two they can smell, and one they can taste.
Mindfulness practices: Short guided meditations or yoga sessions help develop focus and calm (CMHA, 2024).
4. Promote Routine and Structure
Routine is a cornerstone of youth mental health:
Sleep hygiene: Encourage consistent sleep schedules, limit screens before bedtime, and create a calming evening routine (NCBI, 2023).
Balanced schedules: Allow for academic work, extracurricular activities, downtime, and social interaction.
Consistent check-ins: Daily or weekly conversations can reinforce stability and trust.
5. Leverage Virtual and Local Mental Health Supports
Canada offers many resources for youth mental health:
Virtual therapy: Platforms provide accessible care across provinces like Alberta (Calgary, Edmonton) and Ontario (Toronto). Online sessions make holistic mental health support available for youth who may feel nervous attending in-person therapy (CIHI, 2023).
School counselors and programs: Many schools provide mental health programs, group sessions, or psychoeducation workshops.
Community organizations: Local organizations offer workshops, support groups, and resources tailored to youth needs.
6. Model Healthy Emotional Behavior
Children and teens learn from adults. Modeling calm, balanced emotional responses can have a huge impact:
Demonstrate healthy coping strategies when stressed.
Talk openly about emotions in age-appropriate ways.
Share your own experiences with anxiety or sadness to normalize discussion (FT, 2023).
Supporting youth mental health is a journey, not a single event. By fostering open communication, encouraging healthy expression, teaching coping skills, providing structure, and leveraging virtual and local supports, parents and educators can make a meaningful difference in a young person’s life.
Even small, consistent actions — a daily check-in, a guided breathing session, or exploring virtual therapy together — can promote resilience, calm, and holistic healing. In a world where youth face unprecedented pressures, these strategies provide a path toward hope, connection, and emotional well-being across Canada — from Calgary and Edmonton to Toronto and Vancouver.
Remember: You don’t have to do this alone. Seeking guidance from mental health professionals, whether in-person or virtual, can equip both you and the youth in your care with the tools to navigate life’s challenges with confidence and calm.