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