YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH

MPP Anand’s eighth Members’ Statement was on the topic of “Youth Mental Health”, delivered on 22 November 2018. 

See full transcript below:

“Mr. Speaker, there is a mental health crisis sweeping across Ontario. Youth in particular are hit hard: Half of Ontario parents have reported concerns about their child’s level of anxiety; one third of Ontario parents had a child miss school due to anxiety; 62% of youth have reported concerns about their level of anxiety and, more troubling, only three out of 10 have sought help.

As many as one in five children and youth in Ontario will experience some form of mental health crisis. One thing making the mental health crisis worse is the stigma attached. It forces those suffering to do so in silence.

I would like to introduce the NGO Naseeha, a peer-to-peer toll-free support helpline making a difference in the lives of those youth. Last year alone, 18,000 distressed callers called in to talk about their problems. Naseeha deals with mental health problems, drugs and alcohol, bullying and religion. In 2015, they launched an educational and outreach program and helped many young couples and youths with mental stress.

Naseeha is committed to ensuring that every young man can thrive by navigating any personal challenges to contribute positively in their community. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Naseeha for their good work.”