A surge in youth reaching out to Kids Help Phone for mental health support, including thoughts of suicide, has been observed in the North, the non-profit organization reports. The volume of calls has been steadily increasing each year post-pandemic, but this year saw a significant spike nationwide, with a 24 percent rise in total. Notably, the Yukon reported a 64 percent surge, followed by a 25 percent increase in the Northwest Territories and a 17 percent uptick in Nunavut during the first half of this year compared to the same period last year.
Rebecca Shields, the president and CEO of Kids Help Phone, expressed concern over the rise, noting that crisis texts are now being received every 90 seconds. She highlighted a troubling trend of younger individuals under 12 disclosing suicidal ideation. The organization anticipates a further increase in numbers once students resume school in September.
The issues faced by young people are multifaceted, encompassing stressors related to global events, climate change, technology, cost of living, and social media, in addition to common worries about academics and relationships. Shields emphasized that youth are deeply invested in their future and express concerns about the world and their place in it, often feeling a lack of control.
The rise in depression and hopelessness among young individuals is concerning, with the crisis line noting more than double the volume of calls during nighttime compared to daytime. Shields highlighted that many calls come in during the late hours of the night when youth are awake, alone, and contemplating their challenges.
To address the escalating demand for services, Kids Help Phone is seeking additional volunteers and donations to enhance its capacity. While the N.W.T. Department of Health and Social Services maintains a partnership with Kids Help Phone, they did not respond to requests for comments from CBC.
Anansia Leslie-Bailey, a psychotherapist based in Toronto with previous experience in the N.W.T., echoed the observations of Kids Help Phone, noting that young individuals are struggling to cope with a myriad of issues simultaneously. Despite the challenges, she emphasized that youth are becoming more aware of available resources for support.
Data shared by Kids Help Phone reveals that 78 percent of young people are disclosing their problems for the first time when connecting with online counselors. Leslie-Bailey encouraged those grappling with mental health challenges to reach out to helplines, school counselors, or online psychologists for assistance.
In closing, she emphasized the importance of providing a safe space for young people to share their stories and seek help, urging parents to engage in open conversations with their children about mental health before crises arise.