A Parent’s Guide to Supporting Teens’ Mental Health in Canada in 2025
Teen Mental Health, Depression, Parenting, Youth Counselling
Raising a teenager has never been easy, but in 2025, Canadian parents face challenges that didn’t exist a generation ago. Between social media pressures, academic demands, global uncertainty, and the lingering effects of the pandemic years, more young people are struggling with their mental health. In fact, recent survey show that about 20% of Canadian youth aged 25 and under experience a mental illness, yet many don’t receive timely support due to stigma, lack of resources, or long waitlists for care.
For parents, this can feel overwhelming. You want to protect your teen, but you may not always know how to help or when they truly need professional support. The good news is that by paying attention, keeping communication open, and being aware of the available resources, you can play a significant role in your teen’s emotional wellbeing.
Today’s teens are navigating a unique mix of pressures. Social media, for example, connects them but also fuels comparison, body image struggles, and cyberbullying. Academic and career stress are high as many teens worry about their futures in an unpredictable economy. Add to that global concerns like climate change and world events, and it’s no surprise that anxiety, depression, and burnout are on the rise among Canadian youth.
Complicating matters is access to care. While many families face long wait times for publicly funded services, private options such as Trickett Psychotherapy can provide timely, compassionate support tailored to teens’ unique needs.
Signs Your Teen Might Be Struggling
Not every teen who is moody or withdrawn is experiencing a mental health crisis, as adolescence naturally comes with ups and downs. But there are warning signs parents should look out for, including:
- Noticeable changes in sleep or appetite
- Withdrawing from friends and activities they once enjoyed
- Persistent irritability, sadness, or hopelessness
- Drop in academic performance or loss of motivation
- Increased talk of stress, pressure, or not being “good enough”
- Risk taking behaviours, self harm, or talk of suicide
If several of these changes persist over time, it’s important to take them seriously and start a supportive conversation.
How Parents Can Support Their Teens
1. Create a safe space for conversation. Teens are more likely to open up when they feel they won’t be judged or lectured. Listen first, validate their feelings, and remind them you’re there for them.
2. Normalize mental health. Talk about stress, anxiety, or therapy the same way you would about physical health. When teens see mental health as part of overall wellness, stigma decreases.
3. Encourage healthy routines. Sleep, nutrition, physical activity, and reduced screen time all have a direct impact on mood and focus. Modeling these habits as a parent makes a difference.
4. Teach coping skills. Breathing techniques, journaling, mindfulness, and creative outlets can give teens tools to manage their emotions before they spiral.
5. Know when to seek professional help. Counsellors, psychologists, and doctors can provide support that goes beyond what family and friends can offer. Reaching out early can prevent struggles from becoming more severe.
Every family’s journey looks different, but one thing is clear: Canadian teens benefit when parents, schools, and communities work together. As awareness grows, so does the number of supports available, from youth hotlines and online therapy platforms to private counselling clinics that specialize in working with teens.
At Trickett Counselling, we understand how difficult it can be to see your teen struggle. Our team offers compassionate, confidential support to help young people build resilience, manage stress, and develop healthier coping strategies. For parents, we provide guidance and resources so you don’t feel like you’re navigating this alone.
Supporting a teen’s mental health is not about having all the answers. It’s about showing up with patience, empathy, and a willingness to learn alongside them. In 2025, Canadian parents face unique challenges, but with the right tools and support, you can help your teen thrive, even in uncertain times.
If you’ve noticed changes in your teen’s mood or behaviour, don’t wait. Reach out, start the conversation, and explore professional support if needed.
You don’t have to do this alone, and neither does your teen.