As 52% of young Canadians cite cost as a barrier to care, employers are uniquely positioned to close critical gaps in support
This article is produced in partnership with GreenShield
The mental health of young Canadians is under increasing strain, according to new research released by GreenShield in partnership with Mental Health Research Canada (MHRC). The report, A Generation Under Pressure: Economic and Employment Challenges on Youth Mental Health, reveals that financial pressures and job insecurity are compounding stress and anxiety for youth aged 15–29 — many of whom are just beginning their careers.
Indeed, young Canadians are experiencing mental health challenges at record levels, with more than 80% reporting high stress and uncertainty about their financial and professional futures. The data shows cost remains a barrier to accessing care for 52% of youth, while 41% say they struggle to find the right kind of support. For racialized and 2SLGBTQI+ youth, the numbers are even higher.
For employers, this mounting problem presents a solution: supporting youth mental health is an investment in the future of their organizations and the next generation of Canadian workers.
A generation under pressure
Today’s young adults are navigating an unpredictable job market and rising living costs. For many, these stressors collide when they are entering the workforce, building independence, and shaping their identities.
“Too many young people are navigating mounting financial pressures and mental health challenges without adequate support,” says Joe Blomeley, Executive Vice President, GreenShield Health and Enterprise Growth. “Employers have the opportunity to close that gap by supporting their young employees in pursuing healthy, fulfilling futures.”
These new findings highlight how intertwined financial stability and mental health have become. Economic uncertainty and affordability concerns are key stress drivers, contributing to anxiety, burnout, and diminished focus among young employees.
An integrated approach to youth mental health
As Canada’s only national non-profit health care and insurance organization, GreenShield is uniquely positioned to help bridge these gaps. GreenShield is committed to creating systems that work for youth, regardless of background or income.
This includes GreenShield’s new pilot Youth Mental Health Ecosystem, a centralized digital platform where youth can access timely, culturally relevant mental health supports. The ecosystem provides a single, easy-to-navigate platform, connecting youth directly to trusted organizations and resources. In doing so, it addresses the top barriers youth face when accessing care: navigation, equitable access, and affordability.
“By uniting like-minded partners – from community organizations to health care providers – we're scaling culturally appropriate solutions and integrating them into our digital ecosystem to meet youth where they are,” says Mandy Mail, EVP, Head of GreenShield Cares. “Together, we’re removing barriers to care and empowering young people to access the support they need, when and where they need it.”
Integrated within the GreenShield+ platform, the ecosystem builds on GreenShield’s broader commitment to offering accessible and inclusive health services to Canadians at home and in the workforce. Through its seamlessly integrated health care and insurance platform, GreenShield offers virtual access to a wide network of clinicians and a personalized therapist matching tool, alongside telemedicine, pharmacy, chronic disease management, mental health services and benefits plans.
By building tools specifically for young Canadians, GreenShield is encouraging early intervention and sustained support.
The power of early intervention
Any time spent struggling with mental health without support is too long for young people at a pivotal point in their lives.
“Early access to mental health care is critical,” says Mandy Mail, EVP, Head of GreenShield Cares. “Our services are designed to meet young people where they are, with personalized, affordable, and evidence-based solutions that promote long-term wellbeing.”
By delivering care through both clinical and digital channels, GreenShield ensures that young Canadians can access the right level of support, whether they need a single counselling session, guided therapy, or ongoing case management.
What employers can do
The report demonstrates to employers why taking proactive steps to address the youth mental health crisis is both a moral imperative and a business priority. Expanding benefits coverage, promoting early access to care, and connecting young employees to GreenShield’s Youth Mental Health Ecosystem can reduce turnover, enhance productivity, and strengthen workplace culture.
Supporting mental health is about creating environments where young workers feel seen, supported, and empowered. Employers who invest in this generation’s wellbeing will cultivate more engaged, loyal, and resilient teams.
Building a healthier future
The latest report underscores a truth that can’t be ignored: Canada’s young people are struggling, but they are not without hope. With the right supports, delivered equitably and proactively, they can thrive.
By understanding and acting on the insights from this research, employers can play a pivotal role in reshaping how mental health is addressed in the workplace and beyond. Together with partners like GreenShield, employers can help ensure that every young Canadian has access to the care and community they need to build healthy, fulfilling futures.
