Why So Many Young People Hide Their Struggles - And How We Can Change That - Together

Despite mental health being talked about more than ever, many young people still feel they have to pretend they’re OK. According to an article in The Globe and Mail (April, 2025) 60% of youth who are struggling don’t reach out for help because they’re afraid of being judged or labelled.

That means that more than half of us could actually be hurting in silence – and there is a name for this: Masking.

Masking is what happens when we:

   •   Fake a smile at school

   •   Say “I’m good” when we’re not

   •   Act like we’re the same as everyone else

   •   Hide the parts of ourselves that feel messy or confusing

People mask for all sorts of reasons — fitting in, fear of losing friends, wanting to look strong, not wanting to disappoint anyone. But psychologists warn that constantly pretending drains our energy and confidence. It can make us feel disconnected from others… and even from ourselves.

A recent Canadian survey found that 72% of people with mental health or substance use challenges report negative self-stigma — meaning the negative beliefs they have about mental illness become beliefs about themselves.

No one should feel like they have to hide. You deserve real connections!

Removing the mask isn’t about oversharing. It’s about having at least one space where you can be yourself and be honest.

Talking to a friend, a teammate, a family member or a counselor doesn’t mean you’re weak — it doesn’t. On the contrary, it means you’re brave enough to show up as you. And,the moment one person opens up, others feel safer to do the same.

That’s how we build communities where no one feels alone.

Step Into Light exists for exactly this reason.

We are students helping students. Friends reminding friends that:

✨ You are more than your worst day

✨ You don’t need to be perfect to be worthy

✨ Showing what’s real is how healing begins

Our mission is to break down the stigma, amplify honest conversations, and connect teens with the support they deserve.

What YOU can do — starting now

   •   Check in on someone you haven’t heard from lately

   •   Talk to a friend about something real

   •   Share messages of hope online

   •   Reach out if you’re struggling — truly, someone wants to help

You never know whose life you might be changing.

Unmasking isn’t about removing protection — it’s about removing barriers, for yourself, and for others. Everyone carries something – everyone. And everyone deserves the chance to breathe.

So if you’re holding it all in — let’s face the world together.

No labels. No judgment. Just real people. Real support. Real hope.

Step Into Light