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

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.

• Once depression is recognized, help can make a difference for 80% of people who are affected, allowing them to get back to their regular activities.

• Mental illness is increasingly threatening the lives of our children; with Canada’s youth suicide rate the third highest in the industrialized world.

• Suicide is among the leading causes of death in 15-24 year old Canadians, second only to accidents; 4,000 people die prematurely each year by suicide.

• Schizophrenia is youth’s greatest disabler as it strikes most often in the 16 to 30 year age group, affecting an estimated one person in 100.

• Surpassed only by injuries, mental disorders in youth are ranked as the second highest hospital care expenditure in Canada.

• In Canada, only 1 out of 5 children who need mental health services receives them.

Statistics taken from The Canadian Mental Health Association