Addressing children’s mental health

May 16, 2007

Help is available for families and children struggling with mental health in Muskoka

Family, Youth and Child Services of Muskoka (FYCSM) is commemorating Children’s Mental Health Week in Ontario by reminding the public that help is available for families and children struggling with mental illness in Muskoka.

As the district’s amalgamated youth counselling centre and Children’s Aid Society, FYCSM provides children’s mental health, child protection and youth justice services for hundreds of children living within Muskoka.

According to the agency, while an estimated one in five Ontario children struggle with emotional, mental or behavioural disorders, mental illness in children is still a poorly understood topic.

Children’s Mental Health Week, May 7 to 13, is designed to address this problem by raising awareness about assistance services and combating the stigma surrounding the issue.

“There are some people that believe that parents have caused the mental health issue, and that it’s their fault,” said Allan Hogan, FYCSM executive director. “(But) there’s no blame or shame in seeking help.”

According to Hogan, as a member of Children’s Mental Health Ontario (CMHO), FYCSM offers counselling assistance to families with children struggling with conditions such as depression, anxiety, drug and alcohol addictions, attention deficit disorders, learning difficulties, and other social and behavioural issues.

Last year alone, FYCSM provided assistance to more than 800 children and youth struggling with mental health issues in Muskoka.

There are currently almost 60 more cases on the agency’s waiting list, Hogan indicated.

Hogan reminded the public that mental health problems can happen to any young person, regardless of age or circumstance. The problem is not the fault of the youth or parent, he said.

“The causes are varied and complex . . . but there is help available,” he said.
Early intervention is effective, he noted, and a child’s behaviour can indicate whether or not they are experiencing a problem.

Warning signs can include: poor performance at school; avoidance of family and friends; outbursts of anger; loss of appetite; and difficulty sleeping. Other signs include: rebellion; drinking and/or drug use; lack of interest in things they once enjoyed; damaging property; constant worry; lack of concern for appearance or obsession with weight; loss of energy and motivation; hitting or bullying; and self injury.

Families wishing to learn more about Children’s Mental Health Week, or to obtain a special bracelet marking the occasion, can call FYCSM at 645-4426 or 1-800-461-4426.

According to Hogan, FYCSM will be hosting a number of local events to commemorate Children’s Mental Health Week, including a free family swim and bowling.

To learn more visit the agency’s website at www.fycsm.ca.

To learn more about CMHO, go to www.kidsmentalhealth.ca. To sign a petition to change Ontario’s children and youth mental health system, go to Parents for Children’s Mental Health website at www.parentsforchildrensmentalhealth.org.