Calgary’s Wood’s Homes distress calls at all-time high

Distress calls are at an all-time high at one children’s mental health centre in Calgary.

Wood’s Homes says it’s receiving at most 70 calls a day. Janet Stewart, program manager, says the calls can be about suicide or from parents and caregivers dealing with traumatized children.

“Sometimes families are calling in because their young person has talked to them about suicide, and that is a really scary thing for a parent and a caregiver,” Stewart said. “You know, ‘my child doesn’t want to go to school,’ or ‘they’re experiencing bullying at school,’ or with the isolation that COVID brought on — you know, ‘extra curriculars are opening up, but they’re really hesitant to go and I’m worried about them.'”

WATCH: CityNews’ Taylor Braat reports on distress calls at all-time high at Calgary children’s mental health organization

With the cost of living rising, parents are also struggling with keeping children in extra curricular activities.

“So now parents are really worried. ‘Well, I really want my child to get back into soccer this summer, but will I be able to afford to take them?'” Stewart said.

Dr. Brae Anne McArthur, clinical psychologist and the Director of the University of Calgary Psychology Clinic specializes in child development and mental health, she says children’s mental health is not a Calgary specific issue, and kids all over the world are experiencing long-term developmental disruption in their pivotal years, likely because of strict pandemic restrictions.

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“Globally, youth are struggling with their mental health. We’re seeing a two to three times increase in depression and anxiety symptoms. So, definitely the pandemic has had an impact, I think, on their general functioning,” McArthur said. “There is that subset of youth that we do need to keep an eye on, and that do appear to be struggling more than what we would expect.”

The City of Calgary has given Wood’s Homes funding so more calls can be answered, and people are therefore connected to resources faster.

If your child is struggling, McArthur suggests starting by contacting a pediatrician. You can also call Wood’s Homes at 403-299-9699 or the distress centre at 403-266-HELP(4357).