Newly released data from the Institut de la statistique du Québec highlights a troubling trend: mental health disorders among Quebec high school students are increasing significantly, with teenage girls showing higher rates of issues like anxiety and depression compared to boys. These findings, part of the Enquête québécoise sur la santé des jeunes du secondaire report, reveal stark gender disparities, rising diagnoses, and emerging concerns about eco-anxiety and self-esteem among teens.
Sharp Increase in Diagnoses
Between 2010-2011 and 2022-2023, the number of mental health disorders diagnosed by professionals has risen sharply:
Anxiety disorders: From 9% to 20% of students.
Depression: From 4.9% to 7%.
ADD/ADHD: From 13% to 25%.
Interestingly, while many blame the COVID-19 pandemic for the uptick, the study shows that most of the increases occurred between 2010 and 2017, suggesting broader societal and cultural factors at play.
Dr. Tina Montreuil, a professor of educational and counseling psychology at McGill University, suggests that improved awareness about mental health issues may also contribute to the higher diagnosis rates. “Parents and teachers are more likely to recognize signs of distress and seek help now than in the past,” she said.
Gender Disparities: Girls Hit Harder
The data reveals significant gender differences in the prevalence of mental health disorders and related issues:
Medication use:
8% of girls take medication for anxiety or depression compared to 3.8% of boys.
For ADD/ADHD, 19% of boys take medication versus 12% of girls.
Eco-anxiety:
37% of girls report feeling eco-anxiety often or always, compared to just 14% of boys.
Self-esteem:
Only 7% of girls have high self-esteem, down from 15% in 2010.
Boys fare better but also show a decline, with 16% reporting high self-esteem compared to 25% in 2010.
Dr. Montreuil attributes some of these gender differences to societal norms and educational influences. “Girls may feel more permitted to dwell on emotional experiences, which could amplify the perception of distress,” she explained. Meanwhile, boys might suppress emotional expression, potentially masking underlying issues.
Contributing Factors: Screen Time and Sleep
Modern lifestyles are playing a significant role in the mental health crisis among Quebec teens:
Screen time: One in four teens spends at least four hours daily on screens for leisure or communication.
Sleep deprivation: Nearly half of students get less than the recommended amount of sleep on school nights, with girls being more affected.
These behaviors, compounded by the pressures of fast-paced living and the pervasive influence of social media, are likely exacerbating mental health issues.
Eco-Anxiety: A New Concern
For the first time, the survey assessed eco-anxiety—stress caused by environmental threats. About 17% of students experience this anxiety often, and 8% feel it almost always. Girls are significantly more affected, with over one-third reporting frequent eco-anxiety.
Declining Risky Behaviors
On a positive note, some risky behaviors among teens have decreased:
Reckless actions: Dropped from 36% in 2010 to 26% in 2022.
Delinquent behaviors: Slightly decreased from 41% to 37%.
Fewer teens are engaging in rebellious acts like staying out all night or running away from home. This trend might reflect improved awareness or shifts in youth culture.
The Call for Prevention and Support
Dr. Montreuil emphasizes the importance of proactive measures to address these issues. “We must mobilize ourselves into action rather than becoming paralyzed by the growing rates of mental health problems,” she urged.
Recommendations include:
Enhanced prevention programs: Schools should implement initiatives that foster emotional resilience and mental well-being.
Increased psychotherapy services: Making therapy more accessible for students is critical.
Support for parents and educators: Training adults to recognize and respond to mental health issues in teens.
By investing in prevention and early intervention, the rising tide of mental health challenges among Quebec teens can be managed, ensuring a healthier future for the next generation.
The findings underscore a need for collective action—from families, schools, and policymakers—to address the mental health crisis and create an environment that supports the emotional well-being of all young people.
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