Recent advances in the theory of resilience globally and its applications to at-risk populations have resulted in an emerging shift in how mental health addresses young peoples problems. Rather than addressing weaknesses, or removing threats to well-being more generally (both reasonable and effective strategies in their own rights), interventions to nurture resilience build capacity to cope. In this issue, authors from a number of different disciplines contribute their knowledge on resilience and mental health:: psychiatry, social work, psychology, nursing and other allied professions. Authors explore the concept of resilience in North American mainstream and marginalized communities and overseas to demonstrate how the ideas are evolving internationally.