Nurturing Children’s Mental Health: Resources for Families

Please Note: This article discusses mental health disorders and suicide.


Children’s mental health is a critical part of their overall well-being and development. Just as we focus on their physical health, it’s essential to recognize and support their emotional and mental health from a young age. As parents, caregivers, and educators, understanding the signs, challenges, and resources available can help us create environments where children can thrive both emotionally and mentally.

In this post, we’ll share some facts about children’s mental health, discuss the importance of mental wellness, and include valuable resources for families to seek support and learn more.

Understanding Children’s Mental Health: Key Facts

A graphic showing percentages of youth, young adults, and adults that experience depression and anxiety.

Image Credit: Canadian Mental Health Association, December 2023

Mental health concerns among children in Canada are becoming increasingly recognized. When we speak about mental health disorders, we are referring to a wide range of concerns including anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, addictive behaviours, or any mental health disorder wherein the symptoms disrupt a person's ability to manage their day-to-day activities and responsibilities.

Here are some fast facts about youth mental health in Canada:

  • Approximately 1.6 million children and youth aged 4-19 in Canada have a mental health disorder, with anxiety and depression being the most common issues.

  • The COVID-19 pandemic heightened mental health issues and although time has passed, for many children, the negative effects continue to persist.

  • Children and youth in underrepresented groups such as people of colour, Indigenous, and 2S-LGBTQIA+ have the highest rates and highest risk of anxiety and depression

  • Youth and young adults are reporting higher rates of depression and anxiety than adults.

A chart showing the increased use of health services for mood and anxiety disorders in children and youth ages 1-19 in Canada.
  • 70% of mental health issues occur before the age of 18.

  • The use of healthcare services by children and youth (ages 1-19) has increased significantly over the past 10 years, particularly among females.

Recognizing the early signs of mental health struggles—such as changes in mood, behaviour, or school performance—can help families seek support early and improve outcomes for their children.



Mental Health in Underrecognized Youth Groups

While mental health is a concern for all children, some groups face unique challenges that put them at greater risk. Children from marginalized communities—such as Indigenous, people of colour, and low-income families—often encounter additional barriers to mental health care.

Indigenous youth, for instance, have been disproportionately affected by the ever-present repercussions of colonialism, intergenerational trauma, and systemic discrimination. As a result, they face higher rates of suicide, anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns​.

2S-LGBTQIA+ youth frequently experience mental health challenges related to identity, discrimination, and bullying. Studies have shown that these individuals are at a higher risk of developing anxiety, depression, and engaging in self-harm​.

Additionally, Black and racialized youth in Canada face specific challenges, including systemic racism and social inequality, which puts further strain on mental health. These groups often encounter barriers to accessing mental health services, such as cultural stigma, lack of representation in mental health professionals, and economic barriers.

Organizations such as the Kindred Foundation recognize this gap and support initiatives that provide mental health services to children from underserved communities. These efforts are essential in ensuring equal access to care for all children, regardless of their background.

Resources for Families

For families looking for support, the following resources offer services to promote children’s mental health:

  • Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Calgary provides a range of services, including counselling, peer support, and mental health workshops for both children and adults. CMHA also offers resources to help parents recognize signs of mental health struggles and learn how to support their children effectively.

  • The Summit: Marian & Jim Sinneave Centre for Youth Resilience is a state-of-the-art facility in Calgary, offering mental health care services for children and youth. Managed by Alberta Health Services, The Summit provides assessments, treatment, and early intervention to help families address mental health challenges before they escalate.

  • Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary and Area: Positive mentorship can play a significant role in supporting a child’s mental health. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary and Area is one organization offering mentorship programs that connect children with caring adults who provide emotional support, guidance, and friendship. These relationships help children develop confidence, resilience, and coping skills—especially during times of stress or anxiety. For children who may not have strong support systems at home or school, having a mentor can provide a valuable outlet for discussing their emotions and navigating challenges.

What Families Can Do

To support your child’s mental health, here are some ideas you can try:

  1. Encourage Open Conversations: Create a safe environment where your child feels comfortable talking about their feelings and emotions. Check-in with them regularly and ask how they are really feeling.

  2. Model Healthy Behaviours: As children learn through observation, it’s important to show them healthy ways to cope with stress and conflict and express emotions safely. This will also help to build their emotional intelligence.

  3. Recognize Early Signs: Look for changes in behaviour, mood, or school performance that might indicate a mental health challenge. If you have concerns, talk with the educator in your child’s classroom and get their thoughts, too.

  4. Access Support: Utilize local resources such as Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary and Area mentorship program,  CMHA Calgary or The Summit to seek professional guidance and support for your family.

  5. Get Involved: Stay informed about government initiatives, like the Youth Mental Health Fund, and contribute to shaping future mental health policies. You could also help children and youth directly by becoming a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary and Area. This would be a positive, constructive way to contribute to bettering the mental health of youth in our community.

Additional Resources:

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