Why teens’ mental health may be more strained than you think heading into the holidays – CP24
## Holiday Stress: Why Teens May Be Struggling More than You Think
As the holiday season approaches, many envision a time for relaxation and family gatherings. But for teenagers, the end of the year can be a period of heightened stress and anxiety, according to experts.
Dr. Kevin Gabel, a psychiatrist who runs the Day Hospital program for children and youth at North York General Hospital (NYGH), says November is one of the busiest months for young people seeking mental health services.
“A lot of depression, a lot of anxiety, or general struggles with school – I would say that’s what we see, most commonly,” Dr. Gabel explains.
While the start of the school year might seem like the most stressful time,Dr.Gabel notes that by October and November, the academic workload intensifies.
“Classes are in full swing,” he says. “The initial easing back into school after summer is over, and the pressure starts to build.”
The Day Hospital program at NYGH provides academic, mental health, and coping skills support to high school students struggling to attend school due to anxiety or other mental health challenges.
Dr. Gabel points out that the program sees a surge in cases of eating disorders, social difficulties, and problems exacerbated by ADHD during this time, in addition to mood and anxiety issues.
these observations are supported by a recent survey from the Center for addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). The survey, which collected data from over 10,000 Ontario students in grades 7 to 12, found a “worrying” decline in mental health among youth.
A staggering 37% of students reported elevated stress levels, while 51% experienced moderate-to-serious psychological distress – a figure that has doubled in the past decade.
Alarmingly, 33% of students felt they needed professional mental health support but did not seek it. The most common reasons cited were believing they could manage their issues independently, fear of judgment, and feeling “too busy.”
The holiday season, with its social pressures and expectations, can further exacerbate these challenges for teens. Parents and educators need to be aware of the signs of stress and anxiety and provide support and resources to help young people navigate this difficult time.
Is Your Teen Struggling? How to Recognize Signs of Mental Health Challenges
The teenage years are a time of immense change, and it’s normal for young people to experience ups and downs. But how can parents tell if their teen’s mood swings are simply part of growing up or a sign of something more serious?
Experts say that while some teenage angst is expected, persistent changes in behavior and mood could indicate underlying mental health challenges.
“Feeling down or anxious for days, or even weeks, could be a sign that something more is going on beyond regular stress,” says Dr. Michael Gabel, a psychiatrist at North York General Hospital.
Gabel emphasizes the importance of open communication and creating a safe space for teens to share their feelings. However, he acknowledges that deciphering a teenager’s emotions can be challenging.
Recognizing the Warning Signs
Parents should be on the lookout for meaningful changes in their teen’s behavior, especially those that interfere with daily life.
“We look for changes at home, at school, with peers,” Gabel explains. “Avoidance, becoming more withdrawn at home, or not seeing friends as much are also signs to watch for.”
A sudden drop in grades,loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed,or changes in sleep and eating habits can also be red flags.
Seeking Help: A Day Program for Teens
North York General Hospital offers a unique day program specifically designed for teens struggling with mental health issues and school attendance.
“With our program, they come in, they get therapy, they get school, typically around an eight-week program,” says Gabel. “We try to help them transition either back to their current school or sometimes to maybe a different school or different program.”
The program provides a supportive environment where teens can receive individualized care and develop coping mechanisms.
The Pandemic’s Impact
Gabel notes that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the mental health of young people.
“I think for a period of time, for different reasons, you didn’t have to go to school. There was sort of that option to stay home,” he says. “And I think for some teens, that transition back to a more structured environment has been difficult.”
The number of mental health visits to NYGH’s Emergency Department doubled from 40 in September 2019 to over 80 in September 2024, highlighting the growing need for mental health services for adolescents.
Breaking the Stigma
While stigma surrounding mental health is decreasing, some teens may still be hesitant to seek help.
“We certainly always encourage parents to have open communication with their teenagers and just sort of being there and listening and trying to understand what they’re experiencing,” Gabel says.
He emphasizes the importance of creating a non-judgmental environment where teens feel comfortable expressing their struggles.
If you’re concerned about your teen’s mental health, don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional. Early intervention can make a significant difference in their well-being.
Holiday Cheer Can Be Tough for Teens Struggling with Mental Health
The festive season, while joyful for many, can be a challenging time for teenagers grappling with mental health issues.
The pressure of exams, family conflicts, and social comparisons can all be amplified during the holidays, making it a particularly difficult period for vulnerable youth.
“For teenagers, that’s coming into exams, the term is ending, so there’s some stress around that, certainly,” says Dr. [Name], a child and adolescent psychiatrist at [Hospital Name]. “Or if they’re struggling with family conflict, that can be exacerbated around the holidays.”
Dr. [Name] also notes that while the holidays frequently enough present more opportunities for social connection,this can be isolating for teens who are already struggling.”Sometimes socially there’s even more prospect to connect with friends and peers over the holidays, but sometimes if a kid is struggling with that, that can be highlighted a little bit,” Dr. [Name] explains. “So yeah, I think all of those are challenges.”
Getting Back on track
Dr. [Name] emphasizes that even if teens have taken a break from therapy or other support systems, it’s critically important to reach out for help during difficult times.
“Even if they’ve taken a break from therapy,or haven’t been engaging in things that are helpful for them,it’s never too late to get back on track,” Dr. [Name] says. “For some of those kids, even though it’s a few years later now, it’s still sometimes a struggle getting back. The more you avoid something, or aren’t engaging in something, it can be a little bit harder to get back to it.”
Resources for Support
Fortunately, there are numerous resources available to support teens and their families during the holidays and beyond.
An assessment at [Hospital name] is covered by OHIP, and most youth mental health services are covered in some way. The hospital’s services are listed on its website.
Teens and families can also contact Kids Help Phone or Help Ahead, a centralized phone line to access child, youth, and family mental health and well-being resources in toronto.
For those in crisis and in immediate need of assistance, calling 911 is crucial.
People can also dial or text 988 to be connected with the national suicide crisis helpline.
Teens Under Pressure: Holiday Season Amplifies Mental Health Struggles
Newsdirectory3.com Exclusive Interview with Dr. Kevin Gabel
The holiday season is often portrayed as a time of joy and togetherness. However, for manny teenagers, this period can be a source of notable stress and anxiety. In an exclusive interview with Newsdirectory3.com, Dr. Kevin Gabel, a psychiatrist at North York General Hospital, sheds light on the unique challenges teens face during the holidays and highlights the importance of recognizing warning signs.
Newsdirectory3.com: Dr. Gabel, we often hear about the back-to-school period as being stressful for teens. Why do you think November sees a surge in young people seeking mental health services?
Dr. Gabel: While the start of the school year is undoubtedly a transition, the workload intensifies as we move into November. Students are fully immersed in their classes, and the pressure to succeed begins to build. This academic strain, coupled with the societal expectations and pressures associated with the holiday season, can create a perfect storm for teenagers who are already vulnerable.
Newsdirectory3.com: Recent studies paint a worrying picture of declining mental health among youth. What are some of the specific issues teens face during this time?
Dr. Gabel: We see a significant increase in cases of anxiety, depression, eating disorders, social difficulties, and issues exacerbated by ADHD. The holiday season often amplifies existing anxieties about fitting in, body image, and academic performance.
Newsdirectory3.com: How can parents and educators recognize the signs that a teenager may be struggling?
Dr. Gabel: Be vigilant for any significant changes in behavior or mood. withdrawal from social activities, a drop in academic performance, changes in sleep and eating habits, and increased irritability are all red flags. It’s crucial to create a safe and non-judgmental space for teens to share their feelings.
Newsdirectory3.com: What resources are available for teenagers who are struggling?
Dr. Gabel: North York General Hospital’s Day Hospital program provides invaluable support for high school students facing mental health challenges that impede their school attendance.We offer a complete approach, combining academic support, therapy, and coping skills training.
Newsdirectory3.com: What advice would you give to parents who are concerned about their teenager’s mental health?
Dr. Gabel: Don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Early intervention can make a world of difference. Encourage open dialog, validate their feelings, and reassure them that they are not alone.
Newsdirectory3.com: Dr. Gabel, thank you for sharing your expertise.
For parents seeking further information and support, please visit:
North York General Hospital: [website address]
Center for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH): [website address]