Overstretched youth mental health providers in Ontario brace for return to school

Ontario's youth mental health providers are bracing for a return to school after a summer of increased anxiety and demands on their capacity. While some students are excited to resume in-person learning, others face a barrage of pressures, both academic and social. Experts attribute this growing trend to increased screen time, economic pressures, and social stressors.

Dr. Katherine Matheson, a children and adolescent psychiatrist at the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, notes that children have fewer opportunities for unstructured play and outdoor activities, and the impact of social media on mental health cannot be understated. As a result, the number of children, youth, and families seeking mental health support has risen by 69% over four years, with projections to increase further this year.

Demand for services tends to peak during the school year, with early intervention revealed to be key in addressing vulnerabilities that may have been masked during the summer months. Dr. Ripudaman Minhas, a developmental pediatrician at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto, observes a notable increase in demand about a month into the school year as issues become more apparent.

He emphasizes that mental health issues can manifest as absenteeism, headaches, or stomachaches, urging families to consider these symptoms beyond simple laziness. Rebecca Shields, president of Kids Help Phone, attributes the surge in demand, including overnight calls, to uncertainties surrounding returning to school, such as the transition from high school to post-secondary education and the perceived lack of control over their lives.

Shields urges families to approach these issues with empathy and connect young people to professional support.