It's easy to overlook the signs of mental illness as just 'typical' teenage behaviour. The reality is that today's children are growing up faster than we ever did. Their 'always online' technologically driven existence is contributing to an increase in mental health issues among the young. Any child born after 2000 has never known a world without instant access to everything via the cell phone in their pocket, or the constant connection to social media requiring continual validation.

​

It is now estimated that 25% of school age children are suffering from some form of mental illness. Many of them are undiagnosed and go untreated. There is still a lot of stigma around mental illness and many children do not feel comfortable or have the support at home to address it with their parents or other family members. Many at risk groups like First Nations, culturally marginalized groups, refugees, non-English or non-French speakers, or cultures that see mental health as shameful, have children that aren't able to get the help they need at home. Combine that with the difficulties finding family doctor's trained in mental illness, the cost, and wait times often into the years to see psychologists or psychiatrists, and the problem of childhood mental illness is compounded.

​

Schools are often considered a safe place for children to share their feelings with people who they trust and have consistent access to. This is an important component in getting children to open up about their feelings so we can help. The school setting is an often a great place to observe the early warning signs and begin to address mental health in children. They just need more funding and support to put in place the necessary resources to begin dealing with this epidemic.

​

If you know a child that exhibits any of the signs below, they may be suffering from mental illness but are unable or scared to access the help they need. You can find more support on our Professional Services page.

​

THE SIGNS OF MENTAL ILLNESS

- Feeling anxious or worried.

- Feeling depressed or unhappy.

- Trouble sleeping.

- Weight or appetite changes.

- Changes to their personality becoming more quiet or withdrawn.

- Begin using drugs or alcohol.

- Feelings of guilt or worthlessness.

- Sudden absence of self-care.

- Missing an excessive number of days of school or dropping out altogether.

- Picking at their skin, nails or other areas of their body.