Mental Health Week

Technology allows us to connect instantly with anyone, anywhere. Yet across Canada, millions of people are struggling with loneliness. This Mental Health Week, CMHA’s across Canada are raising an important question: what does constant digital connection really mean for our mental health?

Young people are at the centre of this issue. Nearly 1 in 5 youth aged 16–24 report feeling lonely often or always, making them the loneliest age group in the country. At the same time, they are the heaviest users of social media and digital tools. While technology can help young people stay in touch, it cannot replace meaningful, in‑person connection.

Across Guelph and Wellington County, Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario Wellington‑Guelph (The Grove) helps bridge that gap by creating welcoming, inclusive spaces where youth can connect for real. YWHO W‑G fosters connection, belonging, and hope, helping every young person feel supported and encouraged.

Across Canada, nearly 8 in 10 people use social media, many for hours each day. Yet approximately 5 million Canadians (13%) report feeling lonely often or always. Research continues to show that loneliness is linked to anxiety, depression, substance use, and social disengagement.

This Mental Health Week (May 4–10), the message is clear: how we connect matters. Strengthening mental health means making space such as Youth Wellness Hubs for authentic, face‑to‑face connection, especially for young people navigating an increasingly digital world.