Leanne C Findlay1, Adam Sunderland2. 1. Health Analysis Division, Statistics Canada, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0T6. 2. Formerly with the Health Statistics Division, Statistics Canada, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0T6.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The prevalence of mental health problems in Canada is highest among youth and young adults. Relatively little is known about where they seek support and the factors related to help-seeking. DATA AND METHODS: Based on the 2012 Canadian Community Health Survey-Mental Health, this study describes professional and informal mental health support reported by Canadians aged 15 to 24. RESULTS: In 2012, 12% of 15- to 24-year-olds reported that, in the previous 12 months, they had consulted health professionals about emotional, mental or substance use problems; 27% reported consulting informal sources such as family and friends. Young Canadians with mood, anxiety or substance disorders, one or more chronic physical conditions, higher levels of distress, or who had a traumatic childhood experience were more likely than their contemporaries who did not have these risk factors to report contact with professional and informal sources of support. Those with multiple needs-related factors had significantly higher odds of reporting contact with professional and informal sources. INTERPRETATION: More than one in ten young Canadians consulted professionals and about a quarter sought informal support for mental health problems in the past year. The percentages were higher among those with multiple risk factors.
BACKGROUND: The prevalence of mental health problems in Canada is highest among youth and young adults. Relatively little is known about where they seek support and the factors related to help-seeking. DATA AND METHODS: Based on the 2012 Canadian Community Health Survey-Mental Health, this study describes professional and informal mental health support reported by Canadians aged 15 to 24. RESULTS: In 2012, 12% of 15- to 24-year-olds reported that, in the previous 12 months, they had consulted health professionals about emotional, mental or substance use problems; 27% reported consulting informal sources such as family and friends. Young Canadians with mood, anxiety or substance disorders, one or more chronic physical conditions, higher levels of distress, or who had a traumatic childhood experience were more likely than their contemporaries who did not have these risk factors to report contact with professional and informal sources of support. Those with multiple needs-related factors had significantly higher odds of reporting contact with professional and informal sources. INTERPRETATION: More than one in ten young Canadians consulted professionals and about a quarter sought informal support for mental health problems in the past year. The percentages were higher among those with multiple risk factors.
Entities:
Keywords:
Childhood trauma; cumulative risk; distress; mental health conditions; service delivery
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