Part 1: The Hidden Crisis — Youth Mental Health During COVID-19 in BC

🚨 Part 1: The Hidden Crisis — Youth Mental Health During COVID-19 in BC

The COVID-19 pandemic didn't just bring a health crisis; it unveiled a hidden epidemic affecting our youth. In British Columbia, the isolation, uncertainty, and disruption caused by the pandemic severely impacted the mental health of young individuals, many of whom were already vulnerable.

📊 The Surge in Mental Health Issues

Before the pandemic, mental health concerns among youth were already on the rise. However, the onset of COVID-19 exacerbated these issues:

• 🧠 Increased Suicide Rates: Suicide became the second leading cause of injury death for British Columbians aged 15-24 in 2020. Males in this age group had nearly double the suicide rate compared to females. Source
• 🏥 Delayed Mental Health Services: The transition from in-person to remote mental health services led to delays in care. In 2020/2021, only 37% of Child and Youth Mental Health (CYMH) services were delivered face-to-face, compared to 95% the previous year. Source
• 💊 Increased Substance Use: The pandemic saw a rise in substance use among youth, with many turning to drugs as a coping mechanism. In 2020, BC recorded 1,716 deaths due to illicit drug toxicity, a 74% increase over the previous year. Source

🏥 The Impact of Hospital Policies

During the pandemic, many youth were admitted to psychiatric wards under stringent COVID-19 protocols. These policies, while intended to protect, often led to unintended consequences:

• ❌ Isolation from Families: Parents were frequently excluded from visits, leaving youth without essential emotional support during critical times.
• 📝 Inadequate Communication: Families reported being kept in the dark about their children's conditions and treatment plans, leading to feelings of helplessness and mistrust.
• ⏳ Extended Stays: Some youth were kept in care longer than necessary, with decisions made without adequate family involvement or consent.

🔒 A Call for Accountability

The experiences of these youth and their families highlight significant gaps in the mental health care system. It's crucial to address these issues to prevent further harm:

• 📢 Transparency in Treatment: Families should be kept informed and involved in treatment decisions, ensuring that youth receive holistic care.
• 💚 Access to Support: There needs to be a balance between safety protocols and the emotional needs of young patients, ensuring that isolation doesn't lead to further trauma.
• ⚖️ Policy Reforms: A review of hospital policies during the pandemic is necessary to identify and rectify practices that may have inadvertently harmed youth.

Stay tuned for Part 2 where we dive deeper into Mental Health & Hospital Failures and explore the systemic issues that left our youth struggling during the pandemic. 🧩