More young people experiencing anxiety about the future

The first bell for back-to-school has rung. The first loads of homework are being doled out. Try-outs for sports teams are getting started, and the first meetings for clubs have been scheduled. Back to school is in full swing and kids are already dealing with the “normal” pressures and challenges of a new school year.

However, this year is different. This September is the first time in three years that young people have returned to near-normal conditions at their schools, bringing with it all sorts of mental health challenges. 

The darkness of the COVID-19 pandemic may have largely passed, but the effect it has had on everyone’s mental well-being is apparent and will continue for years to come. 

According to the LifeWorks Monthly Mental Health Index for July, 27 percent of Canadians report their children are experiencing anxiety about the future due to events of the last two years. On top of that, children 15 years of age and older have more anxiety about the future than the Canadian average.

Youth have enough challenges on their plates; they should not have to worry about things outside their control.

Supporting our young people through SOS programs

At Some Other Solutions, we have seen the pressures youth have faced and have designed our Child and Youth Programs to empower and support children and youth to develop resiliency, self-confidence and positive mental wellness to meet life’s challenges.   

These programs include:

  • Community Helpers Program – This program works to break the stigma around mental health, especially among youth. It is introductory mental health training designed specifically for young adults. In addition to increasing the community knowledge around mental wellness, participants will learn practical skills to help others. This is an Alberta Health Services Certificate Program.

  • Heart of the Matter – This program helps youth dealing with divorce and separation.  This support, provided during school hours, is a weekly six-week support care program for students in grades one to eight. The program helps the youth learn how to be resilient and deal with the big emotions they may be grappling with as their family dynamics change.

  • Mentorship Program – Underscoring the importance that every child having a positive adult role model in their life. The mentoring program builds resilient children and youth by building trust, empowering young individuals, and improving self-worth, communication skills and coping skills. 

  • Junior Mentor Program – Empowering youth to be leaders and mentors in their communities. In the Junior Mentor Program, the child will explore their values, interests, emotions, and goals to learn how to make an impact in their community.  The program is for youth aged 9 to 12 years old.

  • Mindful Minds – Mindfulness is something that can be learned at a young age.  This six-session program aims to give youth these tools early on so they are well positioned in life to face challenges.      

We are here to help

The last two years have negatively impacted children’s social and academic development.  That same study by LifeWorks shows that 24 per cent of Canadians reported that the previous two years had negative impacts on their children’s social development. The number for academic development is almost identical.

Coming out of the pandemic, children and youth need help now more than ever as they move forward with their lives. 

If you have a child or know of a youth who could use some support from SOS. Please fill out this referral form, and we will get in touch directly.

Some Other Solutions