SHARE
TRENDING
6 Toxic Habits in a Relationship People Think Are Normal
1. The Relationship Scorecard What’s the habit: If the person you’re dating continues to bring up errors you’ve made in the past, they’re keeping score. When both people are doing this it’s called the 'relationship…
5 Little Known Facts About Alcohol's Effect on The Body
Most people know that abusing alcohol can sometimes lead to liver disease and/or liver failure. Even more are aware that alcoholism is often viewed as a disease, rather than just a bad habit. Many, however,…
Heroic Decision By Wheat Kings Saves Life In Mental Health Crisis
It was a routine Tuesday for Calder Anderson and his three teammates, Jake Chiasson, Nolan Ritchie, and Ben Thornton A workout and practice at the rink, followed by a volunteer event at the Samertine house,…
Not Alone: The Tyler Smith Story
Tyler Smith is 24 years old and originally from Leduc, Alberta. Growing up, Tyler played any sport he could and loved going to school as he thrived being in group settings. Being a bubbly person,…
Keeping the Game Fun: A Sports Psychologist Weighs on Mental Health For Young Athletes
We all remember being young children and participating in our first sport. The excitement of going to practice, scoring your first goal in a game, and making new friends. It was 100% about having fun…
ARTICLES, HEALTHY LIVING & WELL BEING. EATING DISORDERS
Tortured Mind: A Study on Youth & Mental Health
Rates of depression in youth & adolescents have been increasing. Unfortunately, many of the victims are not receiving the mental health treatment that they need. Global News recently published an investigation, “Tortured Mind“, which took a look at the prevalence of mental illness in Canadian youth.
Tortured Mind covered the consequences of lacking mental health literacy. This past Monday, scientists at Columbia University confirmed the facts in Tortured Mind, concluding that adequate treatment is not being provided to youth who suffer from mental health problems.
“Depression in adolescents is more common than many teachers and parents realize. Unlike some mental health problems that present primarily with disruptive behaviours that attract attention and are easy to recognize, depression poses a greater challenge,” said Dr. Mark Olfson, lead author of the Columbia University study.
Canadians & Mental Health: The Facts
- Major cases of depression rose from 8.7% in 2005 to 11.3% in 2014.
- Teenage girls are more likely to experience depression.
- Depression significantly affects students’ academics, social life, and overall health.
- Teens with depression are more susceptible to suicide, substance abuse, and pregnancy.
- In people aged 15-24, suicide is the second-leading cause of death.
- 4,000 Canadians pass away from suicide every year.
- 20% of adolescents are affected by mental illness (ie. ADHD, bipolar, schizophrenia, eating disorders, anxiety, etc.).
Why teenagers do not get the help that they need
Dr. Olfson explains that, “Sometimes, parents think their child is simply passing through a phase and have trouble recognizing depression. For others, stigma interferes with seeking out treatment or parents may not believe that effective treatment exists.”
Solving the mental health stigma with education
Experts, as quoted in Tortured Mind, recommend mental health literacy be taught from a grade school age. Even if the concepts are at a rudimentary level, it is beneficial for mental health awareness to begin at an early age. This can prevent confusion and encourage proactivity as the students grow up.
Sources
Major depression is on the rise in youth, especially teenage girls: study
What happens when mental health education isn’t taught to kids
Written by Lindsey Locke, Columnist for SOS Safety Magazine
