Support for families dealing with mental health issues
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 21/01/2019 (2457 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
Many of us suffer from mental health issues. If we don’t do so personally, chances are we know someone who does.
Sadly, that reality extends to children and youth as well. The Canadian Mental Health Association estimates nearly 10 per cent to 20 per cent of youth aged 13 to 19 are affected by a mental illness or disorder. Even worse, only about one in five children and youth requiring mental health services actually gains access to them.Clearly something needs to change.
We have seen the signs in our community. Schools are sometimes locked down due to threats from unstable individuals. Suicides, bullying and depression are all parts of the fabric of life for today’s teens. Parents can be unsure of how to address worrying changes in their children’s behaviour. Too often, the families of those struggling with mental health issues are at a loss as to how to cope. If unaddressed, issues such as anxiety, temper outbursts, not listening, verbal aggression, physical aggression and difficulties paying attention can develop into bigger problems.
I have heard concerns about these issues from parents, teachers, principals and others. It can be difficult for families to get the supports they need. Clinical appointment times can be inconvenient and disruptive to family life. Having to interrupt school and work to deal with mental health issues can also increase the stigma. Sometimes there are financial burdens associated with getting help. Wait times are also a factor.
That’s why I was so pleased to take part in the recent announcement that our Manitoba government has partnered with Bell Let’s Talk to expand mental health services for children, youth and their families throughout Manitoba. The Strongest Families Institute uses a family-focused, distance-coaching approach to support families in the privacy of their own homes at flexible hours, with all costs covered by Bell Let’s Talk and the provincial government.
It’s the only program of its kind in the country, offering services to families with children and youth aged three to 17 affected by significant challenges. Even better, it’s committed to having no wait list and to fast response times. Last year, 95 per cent of the more than 1,300 families helped through the program were successful in resolving their issues, with an additional three per cent seeing some improvement.
That’s what better mental health care can look like. And it will now be available in Manitoba.
If you have other ideas for how to make improvements in our community and our province, please e-mail me at james@jamesteitsma.ca
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