A surge in youth across the Northern region is reaching out to Kids Help Phone for mental health assistance, including expressing thoughts of suicide, as reported by the non-profit organization. Since the onset of the pandemic, there has been a steady rise in calls annually, but this year marked a significant spike of 24 percent nationwide. Notably, the Yukon witnessed a 64 percent increase, the Northwest Territories experienced a 25 percent surge, and Nunavut saw a 17 percent rise in calls during the first half of this year compared to the same period last year.
Rebecca Shields, the president and CEO of Kids Help Phone, disclosed that they are now receiving a crisis text every 90 seconds, with an escalating number of younger individuals below the age of 12 expressing suicidal ideation. The organization anticipates a further uptick in numbers when schools reopen in September, attributing the surge to the intricate challenges faced by young people today. These challenges encompass stressors related to global issues, climate change, artificial intelligence impacting their future, cost of living, social media, school pressures, and relationship anxieties.
Young individuals are increasingly grappling with feelings of depression and hopelessness, leading to a surge in calls to the crisis line during nighttime, which exceeds daytime call volumes. Shield emphasized that most calls come in during the late hours of the night when youngsters are awake and secluded with their thoughts. To address the escalating demand for support, Kids Help Phone is urging for more volunteers and donations to bolster their capacity.
While the N.W.T. Department of Health and Social Services holds a contract with Kids Help Phone, they did not respond to requests for an interview from CBC. Anansia Leslie-Bailey, a psychotherapist based in Toronto with prior experience in the N.W.T., echoed similar trends to those seen by Kids Help Phone in her practice. She highlighted the importance of young individuals recognizing available resources for seeking help during challenging times.
According to the data shared by Kids Help Phone, 78 percent of young individuals divulge their problems for the first time when engaging with an online counselor. Leslie-Bailey encouraged those struggling with mental health issues to reach out to helplines, school counselors, or online psychologists for support. She emphasized the significance of creating a safe space for young people to share their thoughts and stories, urging parents to engage in open conversations with their children to better understand their struggles.
For those in need of assistance, several helplines are available, including the Kamatsiaqtut Help Line in Nunavut, the Reach Out Support Line in Yukon, the Suicide Crisis Helpline, Hope For Wellness Helpline, Kids Help Phone, and the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention’s crisis centers. The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health also provides a guide on addressing concerns about suicide with loved ones.