Push to destigmatize mental health as young people struggle through pandemic
The pandemic has taken a toll on many people’s mental health, but the impacts have been especially devastating for youths in and out of foster care.
Many of these young people, already struggling with mental health issues, are experiencing increased anxiety and depression due to the uncertainty, financial hardship and isolation created by the pandemic.
“There’s been a lot in my life that I’ve had to deal with, throughout my time in care and then again with loss during the pandemic” said Braydon Chapelas, marketing and communications specialist at Aunt Leah’s Place.
Chapelas grew up in the system, which he says presents its own challenges. But after losing his mother and sister in the first half of 2020, he knew he needed to seek help.
“I lost my sister to mental health in February of 2020. I lost my mum to cancer in June of 2020,” said Chapelas.
Organizations like Aunt Leah’s Place https://www.auntleahs.org/ and Dan’s Legacy https://danslegacy.com/ connected him with a counsellor. Both groups have made counseling a priority during the pandemic.
“That sense of isolation and being alone, in addition to being under housed, under serviced and undervalued in our society. It was a recipe for a huge disaster for our folks,” sad Sarah Stewart, executive director with Aunt Leah’s Place.
CHILDREN, TEENS STRUGGING MORE THAN EVER
Stress and loneliness was already on the rise among kids and youth before the pandemic – and now, doctors say there is a crisis across the country.
“Anxiety has increased ER visits for people under the age of 10, by 24 percent in North America,” said Dr. Shimi Kang, psychiatrist and founder of Dolphin Kids Counselling.
Kang says technology adds to the anxiety.
“There are new diagnoses that aren’t official yet. Virtual autism. Kids who are spending so much time on screens, they are lacking social skills and eye contact. They look like they have autism, but it’s more related to isolation and screen time,” added Kang.
According to University of Calgary study published in the medical journal JAMA Pediatrics, depression and anxiety symptoms have doubled in children and adolescents, particularly in girls, compared to pre-pandemic times. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/fullarticle/2782796
“The combination of rising levels of stress and loneliness with rising levels of perfectionism, connected to social media and our modern world,” said Kang.
The crisis has advocates calling for more mental health programs, to help youth suffering from pandemic challenges.
“Those findings I think show we need to make sure our resources, services and policies, adjust and adapt for these differences we see,” said Jonny Morris, chief executive officer at the Canadian Mental Health Association, B.C. Division.
There’s also a need to educate youth on how to ask to for help, when they need it.
“It’s OK to feel the emotions you feel. The more we can get over the stigma of mental health, the better off we will be moving forward,” said Chapelas.
Wednesday marks Bell Let’s Talk Day, an initiative that aims to raise awareness and take action on mental health issues, especially amid the impact of COVID-19.
Bell will donate five cents for every call or text message by a Bell customer, #BellLetsTalk hashtag used on Twitter and TikTok, or view of the Bell Let’s Talk Day video on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Snapchat, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube.
CTV News is a part of Bell Media, whose parent company is BCE Inc.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Western University researchers unlock potential 'cure' for ALS
New research out of London, Ont.'s Western University is shedding light on a potential cure for ALS, in which the targeting of the interaction between two proteins can halt or fully reverse the disease's progression.
What Michael Cohen said on the stand in Trump hush money case
The star prosecution witness in Donald Trump's hush money trial took the stand Monday with testimony that could help shape the outcome of the first criminal case against an American president.
Collapsed Baltimore bridge span comes down with a boom after crews set off chain of explosives
Crews conducted a controlled demolition Monday to break down the largest remaining span of the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore.
Police release 3D images of young child found in an Ontario river two years ago
Police have released a three-dimensional image of a young child whose remains were discovered in the Grand River in Dunnville, Ont. almost two years ago.
Kamala Harris drops F-bomb during White House live-stream
U.S. Vice-President Kamala Harris used a profanity on Monday while offering advice to young Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders about how to break through barriers.
Behind the barricades: How protesters spend their first days in a new encampment
Students in Montreal describe life in a newly erected encampment in Montreal as a whirlwind of preparations, from facing rain and a potential police crackdown to setting up a space for the exchange of ideas.
Security video caught admitted serial killer disposing of bodies in Winnipeg garbage bins
Security video caught admitted serial killer Jeremy Skibicki on multiple late-night outings, disposing of body parts in nearby garbage bins and dumpsters in the middle of the night.
Next 48 hours will be 'extremely challenging' for B.C. wildfire crews near Fort Nelson: officials
A wildfire burning dangerously close to Fort Nelson, B.C., has grown to more than 50 square kilometres, and officials are warning that the blaze's behaviour is expected to become more volatile over the next 48 hours.
Southern Ont. man charged with attempted murder in Timmins shooting
One of two men wanted for attempted murder in Timmins has been arrested, while a warrant has been issued for a second suspect, who fled police on foot.