Mental health issues in high schools
Posted by Rita Gayle
Carey Mottram & Alice Yu of David Suzuki Secondary School provided personal insights into Mental Health Issues in High Schools as our guest speakers last week.
Carey Mottram is a Guidance Counsellor and is the first point of contact with students who have mental health issues. He is in charge of registration, educational counseling, fulfilling OSSD requirements and exit plan to explore options after high school. In addressing mental health issues, he meets with the student; meeting is confidential unless student is in harm. He asks a lot of questions and is unable to diagnose, however, he makes sure the student is safe.
Mental health does not discriminate, one in five children and youth have a diagnosable mental health disorder. Grade 10 female students are the most prevalent. 75% receive substantial treatment or no treatment at all.
Common types evident at school are: anxiety, depression, substance abuse, addiction, eating disorder, self harm (cutting, suicide).
Contributing factors are: peer relationships, peer pressure, gossip, academic performance, family expectation, life changes (new school/community/country/family}, sports injury.
Community support: Family physician, Peel’s Children Centre
Peel Board site has resources regarding mental health for parents, staff and students and they are launching the program “Stand up for students’ mental health”. Check Peel Board website for further information.