5 Common Mental Health Issues For Among Youth in Canada

Just recently, a network of children’s hospital in Canada initiated a countrywide project which aimed to support mental health programs for young people. The initiative is a timely intervention as more youth are revealed to be suffering from mental health issues amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a 2019 report, it was reported that one out of five Canadians will have a mental disorder before they even reach adulthood. Medical experts said that a significant number of young people do not have access to mental health care and can only be accommodated if their condition has already worsened.

The project is just one example of what we can do to help the young generation cope with mental health issues. Creating programs and healthcare options to tailor-fit the needs of children and teenagers is a step in the right direction given the rising cases of mental health problems within that age bracket.

What are the five most prevalent mental health disorders affecting young Canadians? 

Anxiety

Anxiety is a natural body response when faced with stressors. Normally, we can manage it, but people suffering from anxiety disorders have difficulty keeping their fears and worries at bay. The prevalence of this psychological condition among Canadian youth can be attributed to social expectations and pressure and social media. More recently, severe anxiety cases are on the rise because of the uncertainty and significant social changes brought about by lockdowns and protocols due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

If you are suspecting that your child is suffering from severe anxiety, check for the following signs:

• The child worries repeatedly about simple routines;
• He or she is easily irritable;
• You can observe significant behavioral changes on your child;
• The child is going to great lengths just to avoid school, social activities, or social interactions;
• His or her grades start to drop;
• The child is having insomnia and is losing focus;
• He or she is starting to try substances;
• The child is beginning to engage in risky activities which he or she  will not normally do (like coming home late);
• He or she is having recurring stomachaches or headaches or both;
• The child complains of being tired all the time.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) 

Also called attention deficit disorder (ADD), this condition is characterized by excessive levels of hyperactivity and impulsiveness. Children or teens with ADHD have trouble staying still or focusing on one activity. ADHD has three subtypes:

• Predominantly inattentive. Symptoms include difficulty paying attention, carelessness, getting easily distracted, aversion to activities requiring mental focus, and being forgetful.
• Predominantly impulsive. Children under this subtype are manifesting the following signs: frequent fidgeting or squirming, inability to stay still, talking too much, constantly interrupting conversations, inability to wait, a penchant to intrude in activities, running around or climbing incessantly.
• Both. This subtype shows a mix of both inattentiveness and impulsiveness.

Depression

Feeling sad or moody can be a part of growing up, but having depression is an entirely different situation. Depression is a mood disorder characterized by recurring feelings of sadness and a general loss of interest in life. A person with depression can have the same symptoms as with a person having anxiety. However, a depressed teen will most likely manifest the following:

• Feelings of guilt and worthlessness
• Having suicidal thoughts
• Self-harming
• Lack of motivation
• Drastic weight change (weight loss or weight gain)
• Social withdrawal

Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a complex psychiatric disorder wherein a person has difficulty recognizing reality and hallucinations. This altered perception of reality makes it difficult for a person with schizophrenia to integrate into society or make regular social interactions. There is no cure for this disorder yet, but there are various treatments that you can avail of to manage the symptoms and even function normally. Recognize the early signs of this disease:

• Delusions or beliefs that are not founded in reality
• Hallucinations or seeing or hearing things that cannot be seen and heard by other people
• Disorganized speech or stringing together empty words which are usually caused by unstable thoughts
• Disorganized behavior or excessive or unnecessary movements which can also include adopting strange postures or childish gait.
• Negative symptoms or inability to take care of oneself which can include a disinterest in everyday routine, withdrawal, lack of emotion, or neglect of personal cleanliness.

Eating disorders

There are two kinds of eating disorders affecting teenagers: bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa. School cliques, social media, or society, in general, can pressure young teens to worry too much about looks, body shape, and weight especially when bullying can sometimes be an issue at educational institutions. Obsession with getting the “right” weight to look beautiful can cause either of these eating disorders.

Bulimia nervosa happens when a person excessively eats enormous portions of food to satisfy cravings. He or she then induces vomiting or takes laxatives to get rid of all the food and avoid the weight gain. Anorexia nervosa on the other hand is associated with obsessive food restrictions and irrational fear of gaining weight, usually leading to self-starvation.
If your child or teenager is suffering from any of these disorders, it is best to consult the opinion of a physician. If you cannot go to a walk-in clinic Thunder Bay, you can still get a fully-licensed medical practitioner’s advice at home by visiting online clinics. Seek help for your child now before it is too late.