Team Unbreakable: The transformative power of running for youth mental health

Mental health challenges among Canadian youth are a growing concern. It is estimated that up to 20% of children and youth in Canada, which is more than 1.2 million young individuals, are affected by a mental health disorder. Addressing the mental health needs of these children and youth lays a crucial foundation for their lifelong health and well-being.  

That’s where running and Team Unbreakable comes in. Research shows the positive effects of running in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression while improving physical health, self-esteem, and social connections. In light of these findings, physical activity, particularly running, has emerged as a valuable tool in supporting youth mental health.  

The genesis of Team Unbreakable

Team Unbreakable was born out of personal tragedy. In 2005, Dave Harris faced the unimaginable loss of his 19-year-old son, Cameron, to suicide. Determined to prevent other families from experiencing similar heartache, Harris founded a non-profit organization, initially named CameronHelps. By 2006, CameronHelps had achieved charitable status, advocating for youth mental health and improvements in mental health treatment and funding. 

An avid runner, Harris found solace in running and discovered Dan McGann’s run therapy program at Credit Valley Hospital. Invited to coach youth runners, Harris witnessed the therapeutic potential of running, which inspired him to create a running program aimed at enhancing youth mental health. Initially focused on high schools and middle schools in the Halton and Peel regions near Toronto, CameronHelps received Ontario Trillium Foundation Grants, enabling expansion. The organization partnered with hospitals, community health agencies, and family health teams to deliver youth running therapy programs. In 2018, CameronHelps rebranded as Team Unbreakable, focusing on improving youth mental health through running.

Early intervention: Managing mental health struggles in Canadian youth

The mental health challenges faced by Canadian youth are escalating, with studies revealing that more than 1 in 5 adolescents report symptoms of anxiety and depression. And these numbers have only increased since the global COVID 19 pandemic.

Among Canadian secondary and post-secondary students, depression and anxiety are reported as the most common symptoms affecting academic performance, and the top reasons for seeking help. Fifty-two percent of students report feeling so depressed that it is difficult to function. Sixty-nine percent feel overwhelming anxiety, and 64% feel things are hopeless with all data collected prior to COVID-19.

Considering that half of all mental health disorders in adulthood start by age 14, most cases go undetected and untreated. The consequences of not managing mental health early-on can sometimes lead to a long-term struggle with mental illness. When left untreated or unmanaged, sufferers can experience poor academic performance, challenging interpersonal relationships, suicidal thoughts, and impaired performance in the workplace.

Most of today’s common treatment options are resource-intensive and not always cost-effective or inclusive. Team Unbreakable believes there are alternative cost-effective, less invasive options that improve child and adolescent mental health with physical activity being one of them. And that’s where running comes in.

The program: Why running? 

Team Unbreakable’s main goal is to harness the powerful connection between physical and mental health through running. The 8-week program, which is free and available in both English and French, aims to support youth mental health by encouraging physical activity and building mindful self-management strategies. Themes of empowerment, lifestyle management, and resilience building help youth participants learn more about themselves while equipping them with skills to prevent mental health issues and maintain good mental health throughout their lives.

The program includes specific step-by-step Physical and Mental Health modules and individual data tracking logs, tailored for elementary and secondary students. Resources include a student playbook, an instructor
implementation package, and an interactive website.

Designed with evidence-based strategies and evaluated by Dr. Catherine Sabiston, Canada Research Chair of the Mental Health and Physical Activity Research Centre (MPARC) at the University of Toronto, the program aligns with the Ontario Health Curriculum for grades 1through 12. It can be integrated into school curriculums or offered as a co-curricular activity.

Educators, community leaders, and healthcare advocates are trained to deliver the program and guide students through both physical and mental health components. The physical aspect focuses on running techniques, training, stretching, nutrition, and handling adversity. Mental health modules cover motivation, gratitude, self-compassion, social connections, goal setting, and mindfulness. 

Adapting to the pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges, but Team Unbreakable adapted by shifting to an online delivery model with digital resources and virtual coaching. This pivot allowed the program to continue supporting youth mental health despite physical isolation and uncertainty. The online model, developed with input from a student advisory group, included tracking tools for running activity, mood, and nutrition, providing valuable data for ongoing program improvement.

Interestingly, digitizing the program proved crucial as it allowed participants to track and log their running activity and recognize progress toward their goals. This also enabled tracking and evaluating their mood in relation to physical activity and nutrition, providing the Team Unbreakable research group with important data to continue improving the program and measuring its efficacy. 

Inspiring change

Dr. Sabiston emphasizes the importance of well-designed physical activity and wellness programs that can play a critical role in a province-wide mental health strategy.  By establishing partnerships with MPARC, schools, family health teams, and community organizations across Ontario, Team Unbreakable is able to impact more than 2000 youth annually. For example, one student participant shared, “You work towards that race and then you complete the race, and you really feel like you have accomplished something… for me that was doing something that was out of my comfort zone, and I feel it was time for growth.”

Other voices from the community, including parents and teachers, reflect the profound influence of a program like Team Unbreakable. For example, a long-time teacher and Team Unbreakable program leader reflected on the program’s success: “It truly is amazing to see what kids can achieve, given the opportunity and the motivation. You should see the smiles on their faces when they come to school on Monday wearing their t-shirts and medals.”

This program is one example of how a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to mental health can make a difference in the lives of young people.  

Expanding horizons: The future of Team Unbreakable

Running programs exemplify the transformative power of physical activity in promoting mental health. Through comprehensive, evidence-based initiatives, these programs foster physical fitness while building resilience, community, and hope among youth.  

As Team Unbreakable looks to the future, the commitment to expanding and enhancing its reach remains steadfast. With plans to develop more inclusive modules, improve digital resources, and forge new partnerships, the organization is poised to impact even more young lives. Each step taken by the youth in their running shoes represents a stride toward resilience, empowerment, and a healthier future.