Study shows children’s mental health still taboo in Canada

More than one-third of all Canadians would be embarrassed to admit their child struggles with mental health issues

TORONTO, May 2, 2007 – On the eve of Children’s Mental Health Week (May 6 to 12), Kinark Child and Family Services, a not-for-profit children’s mental health organization in Ontario that provides expert help to children and youth, their families and communities, released the results of a nation-wide study that found 38 per cent of Canadians would be embarrassed to admit their children suffer from anxiety or depression. The telephone survey was conducted between April 13 and 18, 2007 with a nationally representative sample of 1,500 adults. The results are accurate to within +/- 2.5 per cent, 19 times out of 20.

“With this huge percentage of the population embarrassed to admit, let alone discuss, their child struggles with mental health issues, we are a very long way from removing this painful and damaging stigma in Canada,” says Kinark Executive Director Peter Moore. “Until Canadians get over their long-standing fear and misunderstanding of children’s mental health, neither the one-in-five children and youth who struggle with mental health, nor their parents, will get the help they need and deserve.”

“People must understand that mental health issues can be serious and can often be treated or even prevented,” says Dr. Richard Meen, Clinical Director. “It’s important for parents to know that treatment and services are available right across the province.”

Again this year, Kinark is supporting the Green Ribbon Campaign to raise awareness and battle the stigma facing children’s mental health. In recent years the green ribbon has been adopted by children’s mental health agencies across North America in an effort to break down the barriers which prevent children, youth and families from seeking help.

The colour green has been synonymous with mental health since the early 1900s. Back then it was used to identify and label individuals as insane. In the 1970s, in an effort to create a positive symbol for the future, the colour green was re-introduced as a sign of hope for those struggling with mental health issues.

Key Statistics on Children’s Mental Health
• One-in-five Ontario youth struggle with mental health issues (Children’s Mental Health Ontario);
• Young people with mental health disorders are at greater risk for dropping out of school, ending up in jail and of not being fully functional members of society in adulthood (UNICEF, “Adolescence: A time that matters”, 2002);
• Suicide is the second leading cause of death among 15 to 19 year olds (24 per cent of all deaths). The leading cause of death among this group is accidents (Statistics Canada, “Canada Yearbook 1999”);
• Depression is affecting younger and younger people – adolescents and teenagers (Lane R.E. (2000) “The Loss of Happiness in Market Democracies”. Yale University Press);
• Prevention programs and intervention services work (Children’s Mental Health Ontario).

“We hope during Children’s Mental Health Week from May 6 to 12 that parents, teachers, government agencies and the kids themselves will take this opportunity to talk about how we can better support children and youth suffering from mental illness and bring them out from the shadows once and for all,” adds Mr. Moore.

Kinark Child and Family Services
Kinark is a not-for-profit children’s mental health organization in Ontario that provides expert help to children and youth, their families and communities. Kinark provides everything from parenting advice to help for children and youth with chronic and multiple mental health issues. In addition, Kinark provides intensive treatment and support to youth in conflict with the law as well as an extensive range of programs for children and youth diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Made up of 800 highly trained professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, social workers, and child and youth workers, Kinark’s goal is to help children and youth live socially and emotionally healthy lives.

Léger Marketing
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For additional information or to book an interview with Kinark, please contact:

Tracy Folkes Hanson
Kinark Child and Family Services
Tracy.folkeshanson@kinark.on.ca
905-944-7077