Mental Health Week: May 7-13
May 7: National Child and Youth Mental Health Day
Often the first signs of mental health issues appear during adolescence with approximately half starting by age 15 and three-quarters by age 24. Because adolescence is a period of significant growth and change, it is easy to contribute signs of emotional distress and difficulties in day-to-day activities to “being a teenager” and overlook the onset of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and eating disorders. Substance and process addictions may also signify underlying mental health issues. According to the Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre, "In British Columbia, it has been estimated that 140,000 children and youth experience mental health disorders causing significant distress and impairing their functioning at home, at school, with their peers and in the community. It has also been estimated that the rate of substance abuse among BC's children and youth is 0.8%."
Please see the attached “Mental Health for All Fact Sheet: Kids Have Stress Too!” Studies show that “A child’s ability to cope with stress in the early years has consequences for physical and emotional health throughout life.” This fact sheet identifies sources of stress for youth and suggests ways parents can help their children effectively manage stress.
Contact the local Child and Youth Mental Health Counsellor at 250-674-6810 if you have questions or concerns about your child. The following websites are also good places to start for information, strategies, and accessing support:
http://www.mindcheck.ca/
http://www.teenmentalhealth.org/
http://keltymentalhealth.ca/about
