FIREFLY in Kenora/Rainy River is raising awareness about child and youth mental health.
Clinical Manager for Youth Mental Health Ashley Apland says children, youth and their families have seen a decrease in their mental health since COVID as well as high caregiver burnout.
Apland stresses it’s important to support those who are suffering and to understand their perspective.
Some signs of mental health struggles include:
1. Extreme outbursts or excessive mood swings: Anger can be a natural reaction to a stressor or situation, but ongoing and persistent outbursts in your child may be a sign of an underlying mental health concern.
2. Changes in appetite: Short periods of change in appetite can be a part of normal childhood development. However, routine or ritualized changes in eating habits can be a response to an issue of larger concern.
3. Unusually quiet, sad or reserved: Similar to anger, sadness or moments of quiet reservation can be a response to something happening in your child or youth’s life. Persistent, unshakeable sadness, however, is a reason to reach out for support.
4. Persistent nightmares or lack of sleep: Recurring trouble with having a restful sleep or persistent nightmares can affect your child’s day and mood. If you’re noticing this is becoming an ongoing issue, it could be a reason to reach out for support.
Apland notes there are a number of programs offered by FIREFLY to help, both in-person and over the phone.
You can find help by contacting the FIREFLY Centralized Intake number at 1-833-696-5437 or emailing intake@fireflynw.ca.
Teens can use the online self-referral form at FIREFLY
