Local calls to children's crisis services increased by 8.5% last year says Hands

Hands theFamilyHelpNetwork says COVID-19 is having a significant impact on the mental health of area children.

“Mental Health is always important, and the need for mental health awareness is especially pronounced at this time, as we continue to see and feel the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Trish Benoit, Director of Child and Youth Mental Health Services at Hands.

“Locally, Hands has seen significant increases to our counselling clinics, up 17 per cent in 2021 compared to 2020, and we are seeing more complex cases of self-harm, suicidal ideation, and eating disorders.

"Calls to Hands’ Crisis Services increased by 8.5 per cent in 2021 over the previous year, with calls in February 2022 nearly doubling compared to the previous months."

Benoit says it's a similar story across the province.

This is Mental Health Week and Children’s Mental Health Week and a variety of virtual activities to help educate and engage children, youth, and families in mental health awareness and well-being are planned.

"It is important that we talk about mental health and we hope that the events planned for this week will generate discussion and provide valuable knowledge to help people,” says Benoit.

The organization is dedicated to improving the life experiences of families, children, youth and adults with mental health concerns or a developmental disability, by providing them with help and support in facing and working through social, emotional, behavioural, physical and developmental difficulties.

The theme for Mental Health Week 2022 is empathy.

Self-Care Workshop - Free online workshop for caregivers

Tuesday, May 3 from 11 am to noon
Hosted in partnership with JF Fitness and Therapy

Learn about:

·Stress-reduction techniques and how to use them

·Caring for your own health and well-being

No pre-registration required. Link to join: https://bit.ly/3rMRPL1

Self-Compassion Youth Fitness Session - Free online session for youth ages 12+

Tuesday, May 3 from 5 pm to 6 pm
Hosted in partnership with JF Fitness and Therapy

Focus on:

·Physical and mental health working together

·Benefits of self-compassion

·Feeling confident with good head-space

No pre-registration required. Link to join: http://ow.ly/A26e50IRNta

SuicideTALK - Free webinar for caregivers, professionals and youth ages 15+

Wednesday, May 4 from 6 pm to 7:30 pm 
Hosted in partnership with Near North District School Board

Learn about:

• Why people experience thoughts of suicide
• How to have open discussions about suicide and the benefits
• Ways people can help to prevent suicide

Register in advance, here: http://ow.ly/26gi50IRhsJ

Show your Empathy Art Contest

Hands is hosting an art contest for children and youth. This year’s Mental Health Week theme is empathy, so the agency is seeking artwork that represents what empathy and mental health means to the community. 

To enter, create original artwork using paint, markers, crayons, pens, whatever you like. Send a photo of your art to [email protected] for your chance to win 1 of 3 prizes in your age category. Contest closes May 7 at midnight. See full contest rules on the Hands website. Employees and immediate family members of employees may submit artwork but are not eligible to win prizes.

Community, Provincial and National Events 

• Exploring Empathy: A Canadian Conversation, hosted by CMHA, May 2 at noon. Register here
• CMHO Twitter Chat, May 4 at 8:00 pm
• Wellness Open House: Presented by OUTLoud North Bay, Thursday May 5
• The North Bay and District Mental Health Week Committee, of which Hands is a member, has organized week-long events. Check out the full calendar, here.