Adolescence is a tumultuous time in everyone’s development -- a period of dramatic physical, emotional, intellectual and social change. It is also the time when most major mental illnesses tend to emerge.

Young people between the ages of 16 and 24 are more likely to develop mental health problems, including serious mental illness, than at any other stage of life. (Canadian Psychiatric Association, 1993). As many as one in five teenagers have experienced a major mental disorder (McGee et al, 1990)

Although young people often feel tremendous pressure to succeed at school, at home and in social groups, this stress and pressure alone do not cause mental illness. Research suggests that mental illnesses are the result of a complex interaction of genetic, biological, personality and environmental factors. (Health Canada, 2002)

Mental health problems can have a devastating impact on youth, affecting many aspects of life, including family and peer relationships and school performance. Because mental illnesses often strike at such a critical point in young people’s development, it is essential that steps are taken to minimize the impact of these problems on their learning, growth and future potential.

Our focus in this project is to help parents, teens and school staff cope with the educational needs and challenges faced by students with mental health problems and mental illness, so that they can succeed and go on to work or further studies, and get on with their lives.

If your teen has mental health difficulties, whether or not they have been given a diagnosis of mental illness, they will need appropriate support in many aspects of life, including high school. Please read on to find information that parents have found helpful in supporting and advocating for their teens.