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
Widow looking for answers after Quebec man dies in Texas Ironman competition
The widow of a Quebec man who died competing in an Ironman competition is looking for answers.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
World seeing near breakdown of international law amid wars in Gaza and Ukraine, Amnesty says
The world is seeing a near breakdown of international law amid flagrant rule-breaking in Gaza and Ukraine, multiplying armed conflicts, the rise of authoritarianism and huge rights violations in Sudan, Ethiopia and Myanmar, Amnesty International warned Wednesday as it published its annual report.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
Amid concerns over 'collateral damage' Trudeau, Freeland defend capital gains tax change
Facing pushback from physicians and businesspeople over the coming increase to the capital gains inclusion rate, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his deputy Chrystia Freeland are standing by their plan to target Canada's highest earners.
U.S. Senate passes bill forcing TikTok's parent company to sell or face ban, sends to Biden for signature
The Senate passed legislation Tuesday that would force TikTok's China-based parent company to sell the social media platform under the threat of a ban, a contentious move by U.S. lawmakers that's expected to face legal challenges.
Wildfire southwest of Peace River spurs evacuation order
People living near a wildfire burning about 15 kilometres southwest of Peace River are being told to evacuate their homes.
U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passes aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan with big bipartisan vote
The U.S. Senate has passed US$95 billion in war aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, sending the legislation to President Joe Biden after months of delays and contentious debate over how involved the United States should be in foreign wars.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.