Global Experts Will Gather in Canada to Address the Youth Mental Health Crisis

A global conference focused on addressing the youth mental health crisis will take place in Vancouver, Canada from 18 to 21 March 2025. PHOTO: AK Photography

The global youth mental health crisis is reaching a critical point and has become a leading health issue impacting the lives and futures of young people, with a steady decline in their mental health over the last decade. In response, global leaders will gather in Vancouver, Canada from 18 to 21 March for Turning the Tide, a conference aimed at discussing solutions and creating an action plan for global change in mental health. It is clear that current mental health approaches are insufficient, with a lack of focus on preventing mental distress and limited meaningful global collaboration exacerbating the issue. Organized by Jack.org, a Canadian charity that empowers youth through mental health education and support, and the International Association for Youth Mental Health (IAYMH), a nonprofit organization promoting age-appropriate youth mental health services, the event will explore prevention efforts and the integration of care to address the crisis.

The Need for Prevention and Early Intervention

The global youth mental health crisis is reaching a critical point and has become a leading health issue impacting the lives and futures of young people. PHOTO: WW

Youth mental health issues typically surface in adolescence, often appearing as early as age 15, with 75% of mental health conditions emerging before the age of 25. This highlights the crucial need to develop mental hygiene routines early in life to prevent the worst outcomes. The conference will spotlight research, best practices and lived experiences, ensuring that solutions are rooted in both evidence and the voices of young people themselves, who are at the heart of this issue.

Vivien Glencross, Interim President and CEO of Jack.org, says the youth mental health crisis is one of the most pressing issues facing us today. “We cannot be complacent as our young people languish in mental distress, especially because we know that education and intervention works. We look forward to gathering with this group of global leaders to learn from other jurisdictions, share important knowledge and be a spark for global attention and action,” she says.

A Collaborative Approach

Turning the Tide will bring together leaders from around the world to exchange the latest research and best practices, explore tactics to better support prevention and integrated care in youth mental health, and foster strong relationships between organizations working to improve the health and wellbeing of young people globally. The event will also spotlight the expertise of young people, whose perspectives and experiences are often missing from the conversation but are critical in experiencing the mental health crisis and driving change.

Professor Barbara Dooley of the IAYMH shared her enthusiasm for the upcoming event, saying the IAYMH 2025 conference represents a pivotal moment in their efforts to transform how they support the mental health and wellbeing of young people worldwide. She adds that Turning the Tide signifies their collective ambition to reverse the growing mental health challenges faced by youth.

“Over three days, we will engage in rich discussions, share innovative research and practice, and foster collaborations that transcend borders. Our conference is uniquely designed with young people at the heart of its planning and delivery, ensuring their voices and experiences guide our journey toward more effective and compassionate mental health services,” says Dooley.

The Turning the Tide conference will bring together leaders in Vancouver, Canada to explore prevention efforts and integrated care for the mental health crisis. PHOTO: Aldiyar Seitkassymov

Take Action for Change: How You Can Get Involved

We can no longer ignore the youth mental health crisis. Together, we must support the mental health of young people by ensuring access to appropriate services, reducing stigma and focusing on prevention efforts. If you are passionate about the mental well-being of young people, now is the time to act. Want to make a difference? Here’s how you can take action:

• Support Jack.org: Whether you're an educator, a mental health professional or a concerned individual, consider supporting organizations like Jack.org that equip young people with the tools and resources to manage their mental health.

• Spread Awareness: Share this message with your community. The more people who are aware of the crisis, the greater chance we have to create lasting change.

What’s at Stake: Key Points to Consider

• Youth mental health is a growing crisis that requires immediate action.

• Prevention and integrated care are critical to addressing the root causes of this issue.

• The voices of young people must be prioritized in the conversation and solutions.

• Global collaboration is essential to create lasting change.
  

What steps can we take in our own communities to support youth mental health? What do you think is the most critical step in preventing mental health crises among young people? The time to act is now. Join the global conversation and help turn the tide on the youth mental health crisis. Together, we can make a lasting difference.