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• CHEO sets the standard in audiology
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• Speaking out and stepping up for children's mental health research
Speaking out and stepping up for children's mental health research
When nine-year-old Benjamin's soccer team made it to the finals in their first tournament of the summer, neither of his parents were ready for their son's reaction. "On the car ride home at the end of the first day we asked him if he was excited that the team was going to be in the finals," recounts his mother Mary. Ben quietly mumbled back "I didn't want to be in the finals."
"We were shocked and frustrated by his response," says Mary.
Benjamin's parents were concerned by their son's attitude towards this normally exciting turn of events. In fact, his mother Mary was beginning to see a pattern.
"I noticed that Ben was not dealing well with pressure. During soccer games he would often have sudden stomach cramps or complain of injuries, which would lead to him being benched," explains his mother. "My husband was very frustrated with the situation, but I knew this was the beginning of anxiety issues."
CHEO's BIG STEPS campaign is committed to investing in childhood mental health research. According to Dr. Ian Manion, executive director of the Provincial Centre of Excellence for Child and Youth Mental Health at CHEO, 70 per cent of adults with mental health concerns can trace back the start of their difficulties to childhood or adolescence.
Benjamin's parents discussed this concern with their son and asked him if he would be open to talking to someone about his feelings and what might be causing all his tummy troubles.
"I think he was relieved that we were addressing the issue and comforted by the fact that we would both be there for his appointments with the psychologist. I approached the situation very casually, because I wasn't convinced that my nine-year-old would agree to see a psychologist," recounts Mary.
It has become clear over the years that addressing mental health issues as soon as possible and doing it properly has a huge impact on a person's life trajectory. It will affect how well they do. The results of not addressing mental health issues in their early stages are extremely detrimental to our society. "If you look at some of the indicators of not doing it well -- youth suicide comes to mind," explains Dr. Manion. "Suicide among the adolescent population accounts for more deaths than all of the other chronic illnesses combined."
After consulting with a psychologist who specializes in childhood anxieties, Benjamin and his family had a clearer picture of what was happening and how to help their son cope with his anxiety.
"The sessions with the psychologist were very helpful, but she made it clear to us that this might happen again, especially as Benjamin got older and progressed into his teen years," explains his mother. "We now acknowledge that this is an issue for him."
Many parents do not want to admit to themselves that their child can have a mental illness. According to Dr. Manion the reality is that childhood is where it all starts. "Investing in mental health research and programs gives us a chance to put our kids on a much healthier trajectory. They won't have to suffer later on as many of us do as adults."
Investing in child and youth mental health must remain a priority. "CHEO has one of the strongest mental health programs for children and youth across the country, yet we still have a waiting list," explains Dr. Manion. "We still don't have all the professionals we need in all the different places to do as effective a job as we could."
With increased funding, CHEO will make big strides. "I would love to see a seamless continuum between community services and hospital services, which include everything from health promotion, to identification, to early intervention and continued care," adds Dr. Manion. "And we need to improve mental health literacy across the whole continuum of care."
In the fall, Benjamin started taking taekwondo classes. "He asked to start taekwondo," says Mary. "We thought that perhaps an individual sport would be less stressful for him since it would focus on his personal abilities and goals, as opposed to his contribution to a team."
To date, Benjamin has been enjoying his taekwondo classes and even won two medals in his first competition. "But he's not sure if he will play soccer in the spring," explains Mary. "We are a bit disappointed, but we won't pressure him into it."
According to Dr. Manion, "research in mental health, leads to answers that can be used right now." This is why the BIG STEPS campaign is exactly the investment childhood mental health needs. Your donation is an investment that will have an immediate impact on a young person's life both today and tomorrow. What better reason is there to give?