Signs of Struggles with Mental Health or Substance Misuse

Signs of Struggles with Mental Health or Substance Misuseby zarka Stojanovic • The Bridge Youth and Family Services

Healthy social and emotional development in childhood and adolescence is one of the main prerequisites for becoming a resilient and healthy adult. According to data from Statistics Canada and Mental Health Commission of Canada for Children and Youth, 70% of adults living with mental illness experience symptoms before 18 years of age. This data also suggests that 1.2 million of children and youth currently experience mental health struggles, with this number rising to 7.5 million if we look at the population of people 25 years old and younger, inclusively. The Covid-19 pandemic further exacerbated already existing challenges children and youth experience while going through the natural ups and downs of puberty and maturation. Although it is well known that children may experience some degree of turmoil as they go through developmental changes in puberty, it is important to be aware of signs and behaviours that may indicate things might be going sideways. Here are a few potential indicators that may prompt caregivers to seek professional opinion, or extra support. According to the Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), if these symptoms persist for a period longer than two weeks, it may be the time to speak to them, or consult a mental health professional. i Noticeable changes in sleep or appetite could indicate symptoms of depression or anxiety, provided that other medical conditions cannot account for such changes. If your child is reporting feeling tired during the day, feeling excessively sleepy even with sleeping throughout the night, or finding themselves falling asleep during the day, these could be further indicators of depressive mood. i Lack of appetite, decrease in caloric intake or excessive exercising could be indicative of eating disorders, and in rare instances of body dysmorphic concerns. It is also important to acknowledge that decreased appetite can also be a side-effect of commonly prescribed medications for treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). i Isolation, withdrawal and apathy previously uncharacteristic of their personality could also be indicators that your child/youth is struggling. If they no longer express desire to engage in activities previously enjoyed, if they insist on being confined to their room most of the time, express irritation with persons or activities they previously appreciated, these could be signs that they are struggling. Although it is normal for our mood to change throughout the day, extreme or rapid mood changes can cause us to be unable to cope with life challenges. These types of extreme mood changes, especially if they appear unrelated to what is going on outside of ourselves may be a sign of mental health challenges and may require a consultation with a mental health professional. i Worry, anxiety or panic which is overwhelming to a point where it interferes with daily functioning may also be a warning sign of a mental health challenge such as Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Panic Disorder, Agoraphobia, severe depression, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), or unresolved trauma. It is important to note that Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often co-occurs with generalized anxiety disorder due to the challenges individuals struggling with ASD experience in social environments.

Keep in mind that some of these behaviours might just be normal teenage behaviour but could be signs of an emerging or existing mental problem or disorder if the following is also true: – they persist for a prolonged period of time (typically two weeks to several months) – are markedly intense – are not developmentally expected for the age of the child/youth – they interfere with typical daily functioning of the child/youth Much like with adults, non-prescribed drug and alcohol consumption can be used as a way to cope with another mental health problem for children and youth. Substance use can be seen as a normal part of adolescent development for some teens and adolescents. While some people use drugs and alcohol to relax, others use it to self-medicate. In fact, Canadian statistics show that around 37% consuming alcohol and 53% consuming non-prescribed drugs are doing so as a form of self medication for an underlying mental health concern. If this is the case, it is important to talk to your child/youth and seek help form mental health professionals specializing in child/youth mental health. The Bridge Youth and Family Services’ Youth Recovery House (YRH) may be an option for teens of all genders who are struggling with problematic substance use and mental health. YRH offers a voluntary live-in program that provides a safe home-like environment for young people looking to make changes to their relationship with drugs or alcohol. YRH supports teens to identify and build on their strengths so they can make the changes they are looking for. They will help youth connect or reconnect with nature, school, family, and community. Medically supported withdrawal management, treatment and aftercare are provided. Keep in mind, the presence of signs and symptoms of mental health concerns or substance use does not automatically mean your child has a disorder. Noticing and paying attention to mood, habits and behaviours as soon as possible provides parents with a good understanding of the individual characteristics of each child. Getting to know their ‘normal’ gives you a baseline of who they are in their day to day lives. If a youth is struggling with the tasks of day to day living or showing concerning changes in mood, habits and behaviours, you may want to consult your doctor or a professional in the community.

For more information about Youth Recovery House www .thebridgeservices .ca/ or call 250 212 3271 . For more information about youth mental health https://keltymentalhealth .ca/ https://www .heretohelp .bc .ca/ https://mentalhealthcommission .ca/training/mhfa/ References https://mentalhealthcommission .ca/what-we-do/children-and-youth/ https://ymhc .ngo/resources/ymh-stats/ https://www .statcan .gc .ca/o1/en/plus/907-youth-mental-health-spotlight-againpandemic-drags