The Kids Help Phone has reported a significant rise in support requests from young Canadians during the night, revealing a growing mental health crisis among youth. The e-mental health service noted that requests for assistance via text from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. ET have surged by an astonishing 183 per cent compared to daytime requests. Additionally, the first half of 2023 saw a 24 per cent increase in overnight outreach compared to the same period last year. As the organisation’s president and CEO, Rebecca Shields, remarked, “I say it’s a canary in the coal mine time.”
Nighttime Requests on the Rise
According to Kids Help Phone, the frequency of crisis texts has reached alarming levels, with a new crisis message arriving every 90 seconds. Young individuals are reaching out for help concerning a variety of issues, with the most prevalent being stress and anxiety related to school pressures and future job uncertainties. Shields noted that many young people also seek assistance for relationship troubles, whether with friends, family, or romantic partners.
Depression and feelings of hopelessness have emerged as serious concerns, exacerbated by external factors such as geopolitical tensions and economic worries as these youth transition into adulthood. Shields sadly highlighted that thoughts of suicide and crisis calls remain the fourth most common issue faced by those contacting the service.
Provincial Variations in Support Requests
The rise in overnight support requests varies significantly across the country. Yukon reported the highest increase at 64 per cent, while Nunavut and the Northwest Territories saw rises of 17 per cent and 25 per cent, respectively. In Prince Edward Island, requests surged by 59 per cent, while New Brunswick recorded a 49 per cent increase.
Ontario experienced a 27 per cent rise, whereas Quebec saw a more modest increase of 10 per cent. In Manitoba, support requests grew by 30 per cent, attributed to the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on youth mental health. Dr. Jo Ann Unger, a clinical psychologist with Shared Health in Manitoba, explained that many students struggle to readjust to school life, with attendance rates lower than before the pandemic.
Saskatchewan and Alberta reported increases of 36 per cent and 29 per cent, respectively, while British Columbia saw a 49 per cent rise in contacts made to Kids Help Phone.
The Role of Nighttime in Mental Health Crises
The trend of young people reaching out for help during the night can be linked to their busy daytime schedules. Shields noted that after a day filled with school, extracurricular activities, and work commitments, many find that night becomes the only time they can reflect on their thoughts and emotions. Unfortunately, this is often when they feel most alone, with fewer resources available to support them.
Shields highlighted that more than three-quarters of those who reach out do so with issues they have never previously discussed. The night can often amplify feelings of despair and isolation, compelling young people to seek assistance when they feel most vulnerable.
Anjana Sudharshan, co-chair of the national youth council at Kids Help Phone, suggested that the phenomenon of ‘doomscrolling’—the compulsive habit of consuming distressing news online—might also contribute to this surge in nighttime requests. She pointed out that many youths are tempted to scroll through their phones when they should be resting, which can lead to increased anxiety and sleeplessness.
Navigating the Digital Landscape
Dr. Unger cautioned against outright bans on mobile devices in children’s bedrooms, as these devices can serve both as a source of distress and a vital lifeline. Parents are encouraged to engage with their children about their mental health and establish a plan for when negative thoughts arise.
Kids Help Phone operates around the clock, providing free and confidential support in multiple languages across Canada. Young people can reach out by calling 1-800-668-6868, texting “CONNECT” to 686868, or messaging a crisis responder through their website. Indigenous youth can specifically request to connect with a First Nations, Inuk, or Métis crisis responder when reaching out.
Why it Matters
The dramatic increase in nighttime support requests from young Canadians underscores a critical and growing mental health crisis in the country. As these trends reveal, many youths are grappling with complex issues that stem from both societal pressures and the lingering effects of the pandemic. Understanding and addressing these challenges is crucial, as it not only highlights the need for accessible mental health resources but also calls for a collective effort to foster a supportive environment for young people in distress.