Breaking virtual barriers for youth support

Experts say young people are struggling with living life online and not being able to have the face-to-face interactions that most humans need.  

In Canada, there is an estimated 1.2 million youth who suffer from a mental illness. Up to 70 per cent of all mental health problems occur during childhood and less than 20 per cent of youth who experience a mental illness do not receive proper treatment, according to Youth Mental Health Canada. 

While people in the medical profession and staff in health units were implementing COVID-19 safety plans, social workers were among the first to fully implement a system of online professional support.   

For youth support staff at the Maryvale Adolescent and Family Service, changing from a completely in-person support base, to almost completely online has had benefits and challenges. 

Kathy Morneau, a program manager with Maryvale, said initially many clients preferred to receive support via phone rather than video calls. However, staff quickly found online support relieved a lot of stress and anxiety from their clients during their interactions. 

“We had to provide equipment. That was one of the barriers, not all of our families had internet service or equipment adequate enough for their kids to make that connection,” Morneau said. 

At the beginning of the pandemic, many students’ daily sleep schedules fluctuated, and days began to feel the same. Morneau said the summer provided an excellent opportunity to provide a social connection, which she said is key to mental health. During December and January, in the second wave, many students’ schedules began to fluctuate as they were once again isolated. 

“Having a regular daily schedule is part of staying mentally well. One of the first things we do with kids and families is ask what are you doing every day and what does that look like and is there a balance,” Morneau said.  

Many of the Maryvale staff have young children of their own who attend school virtually and they have had to maintain their own mental health during challenging times.  

Beth Moretto, an individual and family therapist, found initially that the home/work boundary was blurred and challenging to navigate. She said it is important the staff keep themselves mentally well so they can support their clients. Moretto said it is a matter of practicing what they preach. 

“Sometimes when we’re supporting people, we can relate on different levels but never before has there been a time where we are supporting people through something while we are also experiencing it ourselves,” Moretto said. 

There is also concern the loss of social activities may affect the future mental health of young people.  

Audrey Ntetani, 17, is a Grade 12 student at Vincent Massey Secondary School. She is also committed to play women’s basketball at Brock University. Ntetani said many high school seniors are growing anxious about their post-secondary life. Ntetani, who had verbally committed to play basketball elsewhere, had her spot removed after the cancellation of her season. Prior to committing to Brock, Ntetani said she felt a loss of direction. 

“I was worried and, in a panic, because my senior year was supposed to determine where I would spend my future four years and suddenly it felt like I had that taken away from me. I really didn’t know what I was going to do. I leaned on my family heavily,” Ntetani said. 

She also said that working out and staying physically fit has helped her cope with the struggles of an uncertain future. 

With the increased demand for mental health assistance, Maryvale has established a call-in line, accessible to those who do not have immediate access to a therapist. The call line is available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday at (519)-419-1397.