Urgent Survey Reveals Parents Ignorant of Youth Mental Health Supports

UPDATE: A new survey conducted by Harris Poll Canada reveals that while 90% of parents believe they can identify early warning signs of mental health challenges in youth, a staggering 44% remain unaware of available local support programs. This urgent finding underscores a critical gap in mental health resources for families, highlighting the need for immediate awareness and access to services.

Officials, including Maureen Brennan, director of IWK Mental Health and Addictions, emphasize that various programs exist that can aid struggling youth. In her comments to 95.7 NewsRadio, she stated, “They have ambulatory community mental health and addictions clinics. We have clinicians across Nova Scotia schools.”

Brennan further detailed the range of services offered, including prevention and promotion initiatives that actively engage with communities to support families and caregivers. “Then we have a level of specialized services that are well connected to a variety of supports that youth and caregivers might need and benefit from,” she added.

This survey comes at a time when awareness of mental health issues is more crucial than ever. Parents who are unaware of these resources may struggle to assist their children effectively, potentially leading to worsening mental health conditions.

For those seeking more information on local resources, the IWK and NS Health websites provide comprehensive details on support programs available in the region. As the mental health crisis among youth grows, it’s vital for parents to become informed about the assistance that is readily available.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing situation as authorities work to improve awareness and access to mental health supports across Nova Scotia.