What we already know...
Source: https://www.thestar.com/mental-health.html
This generation of children and young people is making unprecedented calls for help amid rising anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation and self-harm.
Their despair is undermining their academics, personal relationships and extra-curricular activities. In a new series, the Toronto Star and the Investigative Journalism Bureau explore the spiking demand for youth mental health services, the pressure on educational institutions and governments, and innovative solutions emerging to address a crisis ensnaring many of Canada’s youths.
Source: https://www.thestar.com/amp/news/gta/2023/02/27/star-exclusive-mental-health-supports-needed-in-more-than-90-per-cent-of-schools.html
“Pandemic disruptions have made it harder for young people to focus in class, said Kuiper, who sees “just so much anxiety” amongst students. Absorbing curriculum or preparing for future jobs is difficult without first addressing kids’ emotional well-being.”
-Nicolle Kuiper, a Grade 7 teacher with Halton District School Board
A report last year from the Toronto Board of Health also noted an increase in emergency department visits related to self-harm among children and youth.
The long-term impact of weak mental health services for young people is well-documented: the World Health Organization notes that support gaps can hamper young people’s physical and mental well-being into adulthood, undermining their ability to “lead fulfilling lives.”
Source: Mental Health Commission of Canada
Healthy emotional and social development in our early years lay the foundation for mental health and resilience throughout the lifespan. Yet, 70 per cent of persons living with a mental illness see their symptoms begin before age 18. Mental illness affects some 1.2 million of our children and youth. By age 25, that number rises to 7.5 million (about 1 in 5 Canadians).
Source: https://globalnews.ca/news/9332967/canadian-youth-mental-health-access-report/amp/
“We know that if help is provided to young people early in their lives, that can prevent small problems from turning into big ones by accessing services early, it can help reduce symptoms in the severity of the issues and may help to avoid or delay progression to a diagnosed disorder,” said Seanna McMartin, program lead at the CIHI (Canadian Institute for Health Information)
Source: CMHA (Canadian Mental Health Association)
Approximately 1 in 5 children and youth in Ontario has a mental health challenge. About 70% of mental health challenges have their onset in childhood or youth. That’s why early identification and intervention is so critical and can lead to improved achievement in school and better health outcomes in life.
Signs of mental distress:
- getting significantly lower marks in school
- avoiding friends and family
- having frequent outbursts of anger
- changes to sleeping or eating habits
- acting out or rebelling against authority
- drinking a lot and/or using drugs
- not doing the things he or she used to enjoy
- worrying constantly
- experiencing frequent mood swings
- not concerned with his or her appearance
- obsessed with his or her weight
- lacking energy or motivation
- increased risk-taking behaviour
- feeling very down
When children and youth have a physical illness or injury, parents seek professional help and get them the medical attention they need. When children and youth have symptoms of mental distress or a mental illness, they need their parents to respond in the same way.
Most mental health issues of adulthood have their beginnings in these earlier years. Remember, it’s important to pay attention to early signs and symptoms and get help soon.