James Ehiagwina, a third-year nursing student at York University, took centre stage at the Digital Mental Health International Congress held last month in Ottawa, showcasing his growing leadership in youth mental health advocacy.
As one of the youngest panellists at the annual event, Ehiagwina shared insights on co-designing e-mental health platforms with youth, drawing from his experience as a member of the National Youth Council for Kids Help Phone in Canada.
“My role with Kids Help Phone has given me a front-row seat to the diverse challenges faced by youth across Canada,” said Ehiagwina, emphasizing the importance of adapting mental health services to meet young people’s needs in the digital age.
The integration of digital technology into mental health services is increasingly significant as adolescents spend more time online. While these platforms offer valuable support and accessibility, they also present challenges such as increased anxiety and depression among youth. This dual nature underscores the need for thoughtful and inclusive digital solutions.
Recognizing these complexities, Ehiagwina advocates for leveraging technology to enhance mental health support for young people. “We need flexible, youth-friendly platforms that provide support in a way that is accessible and non-judgmental,” he explained.
His involvement in youth mental health initiatives has yielded tangible results. A prime example is Kids Help Phone’s peer-to-peer support service, which effectively incorporates youth feedback to create user-friendly mental health resources.
“Our role was critical in shaping the platform to ensure it felt authentic and approachable to youth,” he said. “Our feedback influenced key features of the service, including the tone of the platform, the way conversations were facilitated and even how it was marketed to ensure it resonated with young people.”
In addition to technological innovation, Ehiagwina is committed to driving change by influencing policy. He has observed that youth from diverse backgrounds, such as immigrants or Indigenous people, encounter specific mental health challenges shaped by inequities, stigma and trauma. “Ultimately, my goal is to contribute to systemic change through policy advocacy, ensuring that mental health services are equitable, trauma-informed and meet the diverse needs of all youth.”
At York, Ehiagwina balances his academic pursuits with active involvement in campus organizations. He serves as president of the Canadian Black Nurses Alliance’s York University chapter and is a cohort representative for the Nursing Students Association of York University. Additionally, he works part-time as a peer mentor for Black Excellence at York University. In 2024, he received the RBC Future Launch Scholarship for Black Youth, which provides up to $10,000 annually, recognizing his leadership and community engagement.
“What motivates me to stay so involved in youth mental health,” Ehiagwina said, “is seeing the tangible impact it has on young people’s lives. Whether it’s contributing to the development of resources at Kids Help Phone or engaging with youth in the community, knowing that the work we do can help someone during their most difficult moments is incredibly rewarding. This sense of purpose gives me the energy and determination to try to balance both worlds, even when it’s not always easy.”