Young People

Mental Illness in my Community

South Asian Youth Mental Health Team (SAYMH) youth ambassador Jasleen wants everyone to recognize mental health problems as real health problems, not imaginary conditions. She started small—educating herself and then encouraging her family to recognize mental health—and now uses her voice to educate and raise awareness in her community.

Bringing the Community Together

The South Asian Youth Mental Health Team (SAYMH) helps BC’s South Asian communities find culturally appropriate care, navigate health care systems, and counter the stigma of mental health problems. Youth are trained to be ambassadors, and they facilitate workshops with community organizations, service providers, advocates, and people with lived experience. Learn how SAYMH is changing conversations around mental health.

heART space

In October 2017, heART space, an art show and healing space, gave youth and others in Victoria a place to grieve, heal, and celebrate the lives of those who have died of an overdose. heART space displayed art created by people living on the streets who died of an overdose and art created to memorialize loved ones, and community members offered healing sessions like art therapy and hand drumming in the space. Marion shares the incredible impact that can happen when you create space for expression and conversation to help a community grieve.

Light at the End of the Tunnel

Transition was the biggest blessing in Cole’s life, but it also brought along the stress of navigating a major life transition without the support of family, friends, and community members. He started partying to cope, and ended up dropping out of school to work in order to make money for drugs. Now sober, in school, and on a path to support LGBTQ2S youth, Cole reflects on the importance of treatment options that address interdependent challenges like gender identity, homelessness, and drug use and look at the whole person.

Dance Therapy

Arjun felt isolated and bullied, in part due to the stigma of mental health problems in his South Asian community. Through his passion and success in bhangra, he discovered that music and dance are an important opportunity to change the way we think about mental health. Now a dance instructor, he uses his own experiences to help his students find their own well-being.

The Happiest Person You Know

When Seren had to share a culture as part of her class’ International Day, she picked Ukraine because she was too embarrassed of her own Indigenous culture. Even though she wanted a relationship with her heritage, she and her family also experienced racism. Find out how Seren put the pieces together between her mental well-being and her relationship with Indigenous culture to start a journey of healing.

Mental Health Care and Youth

Initially, it was hard for Ryan and his family to find supports and services after Ryan came out as trans and wanted to transition. Having the right pieces in place made all the difference—supportive family and access to service providers who understood the bigger picture. However, many young people, including in Ryan’s life, who experience complicated challenges around mental health and gender identity aren’t receiving the care and support they need.

Crossing the Bridge

Anita entered government care at 13, when it wasn't safe to be at home. They dropped out of school—less than half of foster kids graduate—and battled depression. Mental illness was a monster, and Anita was scared to ask for help. The care system leaves people on their own too early, and youth in care need more. Now, Anita uses their experiences and insights to fight for others, advocating for better support for foster kids aging out of care.

Stay Connected

Sign up for our various e-newsletters featuring mental health and substance use resources.

  • eVisions: BC's Mental Health and Substance Use Journal, a theme-based magazine
  • Healthy Minds/Healthy Campuses events and resources
  • Within Reach: Resources from HeretoHelp
  • Jessie's Legacy eating disorders prevention resources, events and information

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