Toronto –
Many children and teens look forward to the holidays, but some find it a difficult time filled with anxiety, stress, and feelings of isolation.
Alisa Simon, lead youth officer at Kids Help Phone, said she was mindful as schools entered the winter break, noting: “We’re definitely seeing an increase in young people contacting us.” .
Mental health experts point to several reasons why some children and teens’ mental health may take a hit during the holidays: family stressors, ‘happiness’ The pressure to behave, less time with friends, the stress of high school exams coming up in January, and the general lack of light at this time of year.
They suggest that parents encourage open communication during breaks and watch for any significant changes in their child’s behavior.
According to Kids Help Phone data, there were 816,650 calls, texts and online messages with children and youth between November 1 and December 31, 2023, compared to July and August of the same year. There were 779,734 cases.
“Many young people can feel really alone during the holidays,” Simon says.
“It can be very stressful for some young people if their families are not a place where they feel safe and connected, and if their connections are with friends or their school community, they can lose touch with those connections. You may become isolated.”
Simon said children and teens also sense “financial or family stress or heightened emotions that may occur around family members.”
“We all put a lot of pressure on ourselves during the holidays, especially when there are young people, to make it the best vacation ever,” she said.
Dr. Sandra Newton, a clinical and school psychologist in Durham Region, east of Toronto, says this type of pressure can be tough on children and young people, especially if they have a mental illness such as anxiety or depression. He said there is a possibility.
She said some people pretend to be “fine” or pretend to be “model kids” when they think they are expected to have fun.
“One of the best things we can teach our children is that we can integrate all aspects of ourselves. No matter how difficult times you’re going through, you have room.” ,” Newton said.
“It doesn’t have to look perfect. What we care about is (the children’s) presence. What we care about is the children participating in activities with their families. If you need a break, even if it has to look a little different.”
Newton said children and teens receiving treatment for mental health issues often don’t have access to a therapist, and many are off during the holidays.
Families should make a plan to normalize conversations about their child’s mental health concerns before the holidays begin.
“[Parents]say, ‘Hey, can I just check in a few times? … How can I do that without it feeling intrusive? I’m here to help,'” Newton suggested. .
“All too often,[children]worry that they are burdening their caregivers by sharing something difficult,” she says.
“They’re angry that they’re putting something on their plate that they didn’t ask for. But we know it’s difficult. They’re trying their best, but sometimes their care is… Sometimes we need someone to help us.” We go the extra mile to increase their support. ”
Parents and children can also find other sources of support, including family, friends and helplines, she says.
Dr. Kevin Gabel, a child and adolescent psychiatrist at North York General Hospital, said November was the busiest month for pediatric mental health visits and said regular communication with children is important.
He said seasonal depression can begin in November or December, when the days get shorter and darker.
School stress also tends to increase, Gabel said, especially if exams are coming up in the new year.
She said it’s important for parents to check in with their children and teens and “allow them to really express their feelings in a safe, understanding and non-judgmental way.” .
“While it may be tempting to try to solve all problems right away, sometimes just listening and showing that you understand can be very powerful and effective. It could be,” Gabel said.
“If you have a child who is reluctant to talk about what’s bothering him or her, pay attention to changes in his or her behavior,” Gabel and Newton said.
Significant mood changes, feeling withdrawn, or not wanting to do activities you normally enjoy for several days are all signs of a potential problem, Gabel says.
The death of a loved one can make the holidays especially difficult for children and young people.
“Holidays are a time for families to come together and focus on family, and if your family looks different this year, that’s going to be difficult,” Newton said.
“Young people may feel like they have to deal with the loss alone or watch their caregivers work through it.”
Ms Simon said it was important for parents and carers to acknowledge their grief for their children.
“As carers, we sometimes try to hide our grief because we think it is a burden to young people,” she said.
“(They) need to know that it’s okay to feel those emotions. It’s okay to cry, it’s okay to be sad, it’s okay to talk about it,” Simon said.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 10, 2024.
Canadian Press health coverage is supported through a partnership with the Canadian Medical Association. CP is solely responsible for this content.
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If you or someone you know is considering suicide, call or text 988. Support is available 24/7.
Kids Help Phone provides free support and resources 24/7. Phone number 1-800-668-6868. Children and youth can text 686868 and adults can text 741741.
