Youth and
Adolescent
Mental Health
Each year in Canada, rates of adolescent mental health concerns continues to increase. Experts say that prevalence of Mental Health Concerns grow before the age of 18 and peak at the age of 29. During this time, 45% of youth stop receiving necessary care and support. When left untreated, mental illness can lead to chronic health issues, joblessness, housing and food insecurity, with consequences that impact our overall health.
Mental Health and Mental Illness
Mental Health refers to the state of well-being. Mental health includes our emotions, feelings of connection to others, our thoughts and feelings, and being able to manage life’s highs and lows.
Mental illnesses are characterized by alterations in thinking, mood or behaviour associated with significant distress and impaired functioning.
The presence or absence of a mental illness is not a predictor of mental health; someone without a mental illness could have poor mental health, just as a person with a mental illness could have excellent mental health. Everyone has mental health and will experience challenges regarding their mental well-being, but not everyone will experience a mental illness.
Supports are available for individuals experiencing mental health challenges, or mental illness.
Mental Health Challenges in Youth
Each year, 1 in 5 youth in Canada will personally experience a mental health problem or illness.
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When it comes to mental illness, youth is a critical period: most people living with a mental illness see their symptoms begin before age 18.
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Only 1 out of 5 children receive appropriate mental health services.
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Mental illnesses are caused by a complex interplay of genetic, biological, personality and environmental factors.
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Life events such as violence and trauma during childhood or can give rise to mental health and substance use problems if supports for recovery are not available.
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Environmental factors play an important role in our mental health.
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Stigma and discrimination attached to mental illnesses and substance use problems present a serious barrier to diagnosis and treatment. Stigma both creates and deepens social marginalization.
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The symptoms of mental illnesses can be treated and very often managed effectively; with the right supports, people with mental illnesses can thrive.
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The Summit
The Centre was designed and built to provide mental health services for children and youth.
The centre offers therapeutic support through a day hospital and community-based treatment.
It also provides walk-in services for anyone under 18 years of age and their family who would like to speak with a counsellor. Walk in services do not require a referral.
Address & Contact Info
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1015 - 17 Street NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 2E5
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Phone 587-534-7200
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Email: thesummit@ahs.ca
