Photo: Andrew Le / Unsplash
Youth across the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley are facing a very different world than they were just a few short months ago due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Schools and community centres are closed and there is heightened stress at home.
Uncertainty about what the future holds and social isolation are all affecting youth mental well-being. In fact, almost two-thirds of those aged 15 to 24 reported COVID-19 has had a negative impact on their mental health, according to Statistics Canada. And, 41% of them were likely to report symptoms consistent with moderate or severe anxiety.
“I have struggled with COVID. I have anxiety and depression” says John*, a Metro Vancouver area youth. Thanks to the United Way supported COVID-19 Youth Mental Health and Well-being Emergency Community Support Fund, that’s changing.
United Way and ECSF team up for young people
“Many of the regular routines and supports youth rely on – going to school, getting together with friends, chatting with teachers and other mentors – disappeared when COVID-19 hit. Youth, particularly those in marginalized communities, are experiencing increased levels of vulnerability,” says Kim Winchell, Senior Director, Strategy & Operations, Community Impact & Investment at United Way British Columbia. ”United Way in partnership with the Government of Canada is using Emergency Community Support funds to help ensure the mental health and well-being needs of vulnerable youth and their families are being met.”
“I have been working with the counsellor [and] I love it!” says John*. He’s participating in virtual counselling sessions offered through Moving Forward Family Services, one of 72 organizations supported by the fund.
The agency pairs clinical counselling interns and new graduates beginning social work practice, with youth in need. That’s important because youth experiencing a mental health crisis can sometimes wait over a year for supports and services. And that was before the pandemic hit.
“Prior to COVID-19, many programs in the community already had waits for services and were often having to restrict who they could take. With the pandemic, that need has only grown,” says agency founder, Gray Thandi. “We provide low barrier counselling to youth and they benefit from talking to skilled counsellors able to work with them to address whatever emotional health concerns they may have.”
The agency receives five to 10 new requests for counselling weekly from across B.C. and is currently serving between 20-30 youth.
Speaking the same language
Approximately 125 part-time counsellors like Alexandra Marinova provide services. Because many of the counsellors are close in age to the youth or speak their language – the agency offers services in up to a dozen languages including Punjabi, Cantonese, Spanish and Malay – young people can more easily share their experiences and problems.
Social isolation and other challenges
“The biggest challenge my youth clients are facing is social isolation,” says Alexandra. That, family conflict, lack of privacy in extended family living situations and things like cyber-bullying can lead to depression, eating disorders and trauma. Having someone to talk to can make all the difference.
“If a person’s mental health is bad, counselling can help solve those problems and if someone is holding in their emotions, it will affect their life,” says Paul*, a Grade 7 student.
Having grown up in a virtual world also has its plusses as youth tend to be more comfortable with online counselling
“I was able to switch to online zoom meetings, so I did not have to stop counselling,” Paul says.
“ECSF/United Way support is integral in Moving Forward Family Services being able to meet the increased demands in services. We appreciate the opportunity to contribute to a more integrated, holistic community of care for youths,” says Gary. “It’s another example of Local Love in action.”
Other programs funded through the COVID-19 Youth Mental Health and Well-being Emergency Community Support Fund focus on supporting newcomer youth to adapt to life in Canada, psycho-social programs to enhance resiliency for youth living with disabilities and cognitive behavioural therapy among others.
*Names changed to protect privacy.
Topics : Building strong communities, COVID19, Kids and Youth, Local love