Judy Darcy, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, and Katrine Conroy, Minister of Children and Family Development, have issued the following statement in recognition of Child and Youth Mental Health Day, May 7, 2019:

“Today marks Child and Youth Mental Health Day, an opportunity to ‘get loud’ and have bold conversations about child and youth mental health.

“We know that every single day is Child and Youth Mental Health Day for parents, children and youth who are struggling with mental health challenges and are wondering where to turn for help.

“Time and time again, we see how important it is for families and children to get the mental health supports they need early to build a solid foundation they can rely on throughout their lives. Most mental health challenges start early in life, and without support, they can have lasting impacts.

“That’s why transforming B.C.’s mental health and addictions system of care is starting with a strong focus on child and youth mental health. This includes improving early intervention and prevention programs – so that children can learn to recognize and manage their anxiety early on before it becomes more severe. Together with our partners across government, we’re also taking action to address the root causes and social conditions that can contribute to mental-health and addiction challenges. We are making investments in affordable child care and housing, and increasing wraparound supports.

“There are no shortcuts to addressing child and youth mental health challenges, but because of the efforts of compassionate and dedicated organizations, service providers and communities, there are already positive changes. We have heard success stories from parents who have gone through the Confident Parents: Thriving Kids program. We’ve heard from countless youth who found hope at one of the growing number of Foundry centres around the province. These stories are what drive us every day to create a seamless system of mental health and addictions care that children and youth need to thrive.

“Today, and every day of the year, we invite everyone to ‘get loud’ about mental health for our young people: on social media, at home, at work and in their communities. When we have positive mental health, we enjoy life and we enjoy the people in it. All aspects of our lives improve when we are mentally healthy – both personally and professionally.”

Learn More:

Watch a video about the Confident Parents: Thriving Kids Programs: https://youtu.be/ku2PBUboCro

Get information about Confident Parents: Thriving Kids at: https://cmha.bc.ca/programsservices/confident-parents-thriving-kids/

To learn more about Foundry Wellness Centres, visit: https://foundrybc.ca/ 

For more information on Erase services and resources for students, parents and teachers, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/erase

Everyday Anxiety Strategies for Educators (EASE): https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/managing-your-health/mental-health-substance-use/child-teen-mental-health/ease

Find a Child and Youth Mental Health intake clinic in your area: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content?id=7A47F63419D248FABE810E421BFD4D21

To learn more about the Canadian Mental Health Association, visit: https://cmha.bc.ca/