top of page

Youth Mental Illness


We are currently in a crisis regarding mental health, especially among our youth. The biggest issue we have is the lack of help and resources. When I heard about the Shifting Gears - The Jacob Puddister Memorial Car Show and Drag Event, I felt compelled to do something to help raise funds and awareness about youth mental health, and the current crisis that we are in. I had a long, and honest

Lost in the Abyss

conversation with Jacob's mom, and after speaking with her, I wanted to paint something specifically in his memory.

I created a painting with Jacob's favourite colours and tried to capture him as best as I could. Jacob's mom came up with the title, which is absolutely perfect.

'Lost in the Abyss' will be up for silent auction at the Shifting Gears Memorial Event, along with a few other fundraiser's that will be taking place in his memory. I will also be donating proceeds from any prints that are sold, will be donated to The Jacob Puddister Memorial Foundation.

Staggering Statistics

Who is affected?

  • Mental illness indirectly affects all Canadians at some time through a family member, friend or colleague.

  • 20% of Canadians will personally experience a mental illness in their lifetime.

  • Mental illness affects people of all ages, educational and income levels, and cultures.

  • Approximately 8% of adults will experience major depression at some time in their lives.

  • About 1% of Canadians will experience bipolar disorder (or “manic depression”).

How does it impact youth?

  • It is estimated that 10-20% of Canadian youth are affected by a mental illness or disorder – the single most disabling group of disorders worldwide.

  • Today, approximately 5% of male youth and 12% of female youth, age 12 to 19, have experienced a major depressive episode.

  • The total number of 12-19 year olds in Canada at risk for developing depression is a staggering 3.2 million.

  • Onc