JANNEN BELBECK 2022-09-20 09:32:32
Support in all aspects
Recently I attended Sunnybrook Hospital’s Youth Mental Health Summit, hearing from Sunnybrook’s Family Navigation Project (FNP) team and other youth mental health experts. Topics included: 1) Support and services as youth transition through life stages. (Because “age, stage of development, race, gender and identity all have an impact on youth mental health.”); 2) Support for the entire family. (“Helpful information on the role that health and wellness play in supporting positive mental health, including how to identify signs of challenges, when to seek help, or how families can approach conversations with their youth.”); 3) Navigating mental health post-pandemic. (“During the pandemic, twice as many youth have reached out to FNP for help, and the need continues to grow.”)
Attending sessions like these help to expand my knowledge and awareness, and also helps me to understand and identify where there are potential gaps in education. Dr. Anthony J. Levitt, MD, FRCP(C), Medical Director, Family Navigation Project and Chief of the Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program at Sunnybrook, stated that in a survey based in Ontario found that one-third of parents were caring for a youth with a mental health issue or addiction. We may hear about caregiver burnout, but often relate it to caring for seniors. Caregiver burnout when it comes to youth is very common, and the panel suggested reaching out to family members, friends and support groups at the first signs of burnout. “You are not as isolated as you think you are, and [youth mental health/addiction issues] are not as rare as one might think it is,” says Dr. Levitt.
Knowing that we’re not isolated or alone in anything in life, and getting help as soon as possible were some of the main points I walked away with from the session, as well as the fact that there’s not a one-size-fits all approach. I know all of you see that everyday in practice. The articles shared in this issue definitely exemplify that.
Our cover story unravels connections between the heart and brain (page 6), “Stay young” (page 16) highlights research on exercise and how it impacts aging in a multitude of ways, and the aptly named “one size doesn’t fit all” (page 20) uncovers how genetics can help with diet, health and weightloss.
What’s an example of a time when you realized life wasn’t a “one size fits all?” Share with us on social media, and stay connected by subscribing to our newsletter (cndoctor.ca/subscribe).
Stay well,
JANNEN BELBECK, Editor
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