A child is shown covering their face in this archived photo. CTV News
A recent survey has highlighted a troubling trend: adolescent mental health has significantly deteriorated over the past few years, particularly among girls. This finding comes from a follow-up to the 2019 Canadian Health Survey on Children and Youth, which was repeated in 2023.
The survey asked young people to evaluate their mental health using five categories: "excellent," "very good," "good," "fair," or "poor." In 2019, 12% of youth aged 12 to 17 rated their mental health as "fair" or "poor." By 2023, when these individuals were aged 16 to 21, this percentage had nearly doubled to 26%.
For girls specifically, the percentage of those rating their mental health as "fair" or "poor" jumped from 16% in 2019 to 33% in 2023. In contrast, the proportion of boys giving the same ratings increased from 7% to 19% over the same period.
Alisa Simon, from Kids Help Phone, which provides mental health support through various channels, was not surprised by these figures. She noted that their service has seen record numbers of young people reaching out for help. Topics such as suicide, self-harm, and isolation have become more common in these conversations, with discussions about self-harm increasing by 82% since 2019.
Simon attributed the worsening mental health to the ongoing effects of the pandemic. She suggested that the pandemic has led to a loss of social connections and skills, and an increased use of social media, which can both connect and isolate individuals.
The survey also revealed a disconnect between how parents and their children perceive mental health. In 2019, parents of 15 to 17-year-olds rated only 8% of their children's mental health as "poor" or "fair," while 17% of the youths themselves reported feeling this way. This gap highlights that many children may not communicate their struggles to their parents.
Simon emphasized the importance of open communication between parents and children. She advised parents to create a safe space for their children to discuss their feelings and to observe any changes in behaviour, such as changes in sleeping or eating patterns. However, she also acknowledged that children might not always feel comfortable talking to their parents, making it crucial for them to have access to other trusted adults or mental health resources.
While the rise in youth reaching out for help is concerning, Simon views it as a positive sign that young people are seeking support. She stressed the importance of discussing mental health openly, citing a U.S. Surgeon General's report that revealed high levels of parental stress.
According to the report, 41% of parents say they are so stressed that they cannot function on most days, and 48% feel overwhelmingly stressed regularly. This highlights that mental health challenges affect entire families, not just the youth.
In conclusion, the survey underscores the need for continued awareness and support for mental health issues among adolescents. It also calls for open dialogue within families and a broader understanding of the challenges young people face today.
