Teen Mental Health Crisis Surges, Driven by Distress and School Policies

Psychological distress among teenagers in Quebec has reached alarming levels, as highlighted in the latest report from Tel-jeunes. The organization indicates that requests for assistance from youth and their parents have surged by 20 percent this year, with projections suggesting a total of 60,000 requests by the end of 2025. Notably, 50 percent of these requests are related to mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, self-harm, and self-esteem challenges, marking a significant increase from 40 percent in 2024.

Annie Papageorgiou, executive director of Tel-jeunes, attributes part of this rise to improved mental health awareness and a greater willingness among young people to seek help. “Mental-health literacy is much more common. Young people understand what positive mental health is, and they’re asking for help,” Papageorgiou stated. “But what we feel, what we’re receiving, is that the requests are heavier. We feel the distress from teens. More and more, when they contact us, there’s a sense of urgency, a very strong emotion that pushes them to reach out.”

Complexity of Requests and School Environment

The increasing complexity of help requests is evident, with one in five interventions necessitating a suicide-risk assessment by professional staff. “Every help request requires much more sensitivity,” Papageorgiou noted. “Our professional counsellors always ensure that the young person feels heard, validated, calmed, and safe.”

The recently implemented ban on cellphones in Quebec schools has introduced additional stress for students. Papageorgiou explained that this policy was a significant concern for adolescents as they returned to school. “It was one of the elements in the overall return to school. Adolescents were saying: ‘How is this going to go for me?’” Transition phases, such as moving from high school to CEGEP, add to their anxiety. “Every transition period is the same. Now, we’re entering the holiday season, going back home. Once the break is over, they have to return to school. There’s this apprehension, this anxiety around transition phases, like the holidays,” she added.

Furthermore, Tel-jeunes has reported a noticeable uptick in school violence, with a 30 percent rise in requests for help outside regular school hours. “What young people tell us when they contact us — what we’ve seen increase — is bullying at school,” Papageorgiou said, emphasizing that verbal, psychological, and physical violence contribute to heightened anxiety among youth. “School is mandatory for them. Being there, feeling trapped, living through moments like that — it’s one of the reasons help requests have gone up in the past year.”

Adapting to Rising Demand

As the demand for support grows, Tel-jeunes is adapting its services to meet the needs of young people. With 80 percent of help requests coming through text or online chat, the organization has extended its availability for these services until midnight, previously closing at 22:00. Tel-jeunes now offers support services from 08:00 to midnight, seven days a week, accessible by phone at 1-800-263-2266 or by text at 514-600-1002.

For those seeking assistance, a range of mental health resources is available across Quebec. Individuals are encouraged to reach out to local crisis centers for specialized support. In cases of immediate danger, calling 911 or visiting the nearest hospital is advised.

The findings from Tel-jeunes underscore a pressing need for mental health support among teenagers, highlighting the importance of understanding and addressing the factors contributing to their distress. The organization’s ongoing efforts aim to provide a lifeline for youth navigating these challenging times.