It’s hard to see your young adult grappling with anxiety or depression. The energetic, hopeful and driven young person you knew may seem to pull away, replaced by exhaustion, irritability, or silence. As a parent or guardian, the urge to fix things, or protect them is strong. However, mood disorders rarely resolve through force. They need understanding, consistency, and in some cases require professional help.
In Canada, mood and anxiety disorders are on the rise, especially among younger adults. Recent Statistics Canada data shows that in 2022–2023, about 20.2% of Canadians aged 18-34 reported having a diagnosed anxiety disorder, up from lower percentages in previous years. Mood disorders (including depression) are also more prevalent in this group than among older adults.
As parents, the first things you may notice are behavioural changes including fatigue, difficulty concentrating, being more withdrawn or loss of interest in things they once cared about. Sleeping and eating patterns might also be altered or disrupted. In your interactions you may notice an increase in mood swings, or hear worrying comments of hopelessness and self-criticism.
When these signs persist, it’s not “just a phase”, providing support early can significantly change the impact. One of the most important ways to help is to communicate compassion and understanding without trying to “fix” them. You can’t make the distress vanish, but your support in their daily life is just as important.
Encourage routines—not as rigid obligations, but as anchors: regular sleep, some movement, decent nutrition, and moments of rest. Help them find things that give meaning, even small: a class, hobby, volunteer gig, or creative outlet. Being with people who care, through friendship or community, often shifts feelings of isolation into something lighter.
Oftentimes, the support of your immediate family and friend network isn’t enough and access to professional help is needed. At Homewood Ravensview, our interdisciplinary team of experts including therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists all play their parts in supporting the healing and recovery journey. Our My Path program for young adults aged 19+ is focused on providing support through overcoming these mood disorders as well as navigating the journey into adulthood.
Anxiety and depression don’t have to define your young adult’s story. Early recognition, continued support and compassion, along with access to professional help can help them move towards healing.
