To learn the warning signs and help families, the 'Jack Project' is being held at Saugeen District Secondary School (SDSS) on Wednesday, November 30th at 7:30 p.m.
According to the Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 20% of children and youth in Canada have a diagnosable mental health disorder and, in Ontario, the numbers are about 1 in 5 for four to sixteen year olds. With the additional demands of a family’s back to school schedule,
Also, according to experts, depression is a huge reality among today's youth and often parents and family do not recognize behaviour changes or a significant disruption in their kids’ normal routine or disposition. With adolescence, symptoms of depression or mental health issues can be misdiagnosed as social disorders or falling in with the wrong crowd.
Records show that there are many teens on some form of anti-depressant and the warnings say that the harmful effects of these drugs on adolescents are not yet known. Currently, about 40% of young adults with depression do not use any mental health services.
Among the signs, in addition to typical deviant or rebellious behaviour, families are told to look for a significant rise in anxiety or isolation.
