Child and youth mental health and addictions. Plan for the day This morning… An introduction to child and youth mental health and addictions A presentation.

Child and youth mental health and addictions

Plan for the dayPlan for the dayThis morning… An introduction to child and youth mental

health and addictions A presentation by experts working in this

area

This afternoon… Brainstorming and action planning for

addressing gaps and building on strengths in child and youth mental health and addictions in the South West region

Thank you to youth…Thank you to youth…

Amanda (16)

Erin (25)

Francesca (19)

Alyssa (20)

Ivy (13)

Adriana (15)

Sahar (16)

Suha (14)

Ashley (22)

Max (17)

Darragh (17)

Thank you to mindyourmind staff…Thank you to mindyourmind staff… Maria Luisa Contursi – Program

Director and Co-Founder Christine Garinger – Pro Site and

Education Coordinator Heather Miko-Kelly – Youth Projects

and Volunteer Coordinator Michelle Cavaliere – Graphic and Web

Design Renee deVos – Fanshawe college

student

Mental illnessMental illness

A significant disturbance in behaviour, mood or thought process that is associated with distress and impairment

In Canada, about 14% of children and youth experience a mental illness (Waddell et al., 2005)

AddictionAddiction A habit that is hard to stop and frequently

interferes with a person’s life Can involve a substance (e.g., drugs,

alcohol) or an activity (e.g., gambling) 3 main conditions:

• The person cannot stop the behaviour• The substance/activity has become the focus

of the person’s life• The behaviour persists despite severe

negative consequences

Currently, the addiction that most Currently, the addiction that most resonates with youth is…resonates with youth is…

Concurrent disordersConcurrent disorders

A situation where a young person has a mental illness + an addiction

Also known as “dual disorder” or “co-occurring substance abuse disorders and mental disorders”

Most common are addictions associated with conduct, anxiety and depressive disorders

PrevalencePrevalence

30% of people with a mental illness will also have a substance abuse disorder at some point in their lives

53% of people diagnosed with a substance use disorder will also have a mental illness at some point in their lives

Concurrent disorders are Concurrent disorders are associated with…associated with…

Risky sexual behaviours Increased risk of

• Suicide• Accidental death• Health problems (e.g., HIV, hepatitis)

Possible treatments or responsesPossible treatments or responses

Multi-systemic therapy Cognitive behavioural therapy Family based treatments Prevention Health promotion

The main treatment challenge…The main treatment challenge…

…to treat the mental health problem first (and then the addiction) OR

…to treat the addiction first (and then the mental health problem) OR

…both at the same time?

Concurrent disorders in Concurrent disorders in children and youth: children and youth:

New knowledge and innovative New knowledge and innovative practices in the South West regionpractices in the South West region

Questions?Questions?

Dr. Purnima Sundar

Research and Knowledge Exchange Consultant

613.737.7600 Ext. 3485

[email protected]

Questions for breakout groupsQuestions for breakout groups1. What are your experiences with the issue of addictions and

child and youth mental health? (this can be professional and/or personal)

2. Currently, what are the strengths of the South West region in responding to youth with these challenges?

3. Currently, what are the gaps in the South West region in responding to youth with these challenges?

4. What are 3 things you would like to see happen in this area over the next 6 months?

5. What is your role in making these changes?6. Do you use technology (website, online tools, texting) in your

work with youth?7. How can you integrate technology into your practice?

Feel free to ask youth for feedback, insights and opinions at any time during this process!