At the age of 28, Valentine, who has been diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder, signed up for the online version of the Y Mind program to learn how to cope with her anxiety better and get back a sense of stability. Through the help of the mental health professionals and group discussions, Valentine realized she was not alone in her anxiety. Over the course of the meetings, she started to feel better equipped to cope with her anxiety.
“I went out and started to feel a panic attack coming on. I took a deep breath, accepted and lived through the emotions, and used the tricks I learned in the program. I was able to calm down in record time.” After that episode, Valentine felt more confident. Today, she pushes herself to get out of her comfort zone, even joining in on social activities she would not have done in the past. “I lost years letting my anxiety limit what I do. Now, I accept that I am who I am, negative emotions and all.”
“What really stands out about the program is the caring approach. The mental health professionals’ kindness toward us but also the kindness I now show myself as I experience anxiety.”
- Valentine, Former Y Mind Participant
Launched in Québec in June 2023, the Y Mind program is an opportunity for young people to develop concrete mindfulness skills to help them cope with their emotions. Through the support and guidance of mental health professionals and group therapy, teens aged 13 to 18 and young adults aged 18 to 30 learn how to manage stress and anxiety better.
In 2023 :
- Close to 120 young people aged 13 to 30 participated in this free program, which is offered in French and English.
- Program participants reported feeling less anxious, less isolated, and having an improved sense of well-being.
Y Mind is an initiative developed in Vancouver by YMCA BC. It was adapted into French and launched in Québec in June 2023 by the YMCAs of Québec. Thank you to the Public Health Agency of Canada for making the deployment of the program possible.