1. Child and youth mental health and addictions

2. Plan for the day This morning… An introduction to child and youth mental health and addictions A presentation by experts working in this area This afternoon… Brainstorming and action planning for addressing gaps and building on strengths in child and youth mental health and addictions in the South West region

3. Thank you to youth… Amanda (16) Erin (25) Francesca (19) Alyssa (20) Ivy (13) Adriana (15) Sahar (16) Suha (14) Ashley (22) Max (17) Darragh (17)

4. Thank you to mindyourmind staff… Maria Luisa Contursi – Program Director and Co-Founder Christine Garinger – Pro Site and Education Coordinator Heather Miko-Kelly – Youth Projects and Volunteer Coordinator Michelle Cavaliere – Graphic and Web Design Renee deVos – Fanshawe college student

5. Mental illness A significant disturbance in behaviour, mood or thought process that is associated with distress and impairment In Canada, about 14% of children and youth experience a mental illness (Waddell et al., 2005)

6. Addiction A habit that is hard to stop and frequently interferes with a persons life Can involve a substance (e.g., drugs, alcohol) or an activity (e.g., gambling) 3 main conditions: The person cannot stop the behaviour The substance/activity has become the focus of the persons life The behaviour persists despite severe negative consequences

7. Currently, the addiction that most resonates with youth is…

9. Concurrent disorders A situation where a young person has a mental illness + an addiction Also known as dual disorder or co- occurring substance abuse disorders and mental disorders Most common are addictions associated with conduct, anxiety and depressive disorders

10. Prevalence 30% of people with a mental illness will also have a substance abuse disorder at some point in their lives 53% of people diagnosed with a substance use disorder will also have a mental illness at some point in their lives

11. Concurrent disorders are associated with… Risky sexual behaviours Increased risk of Suicide Accidental death Health problems (e.g., HIV, hepatitis)

12. Possible treatments or responses Multi-systemic therapy Cognitive behavioural therapy Family based treatments Prevention Health promotion

13. The main treatment challenge… …to treat the mental health problem first (and then the addiction) OR …to treat the addiction first (and then the mental health problem) OR …both at the same time?

14. Concurrent disorders in children and youth: New knowledge and innovative practices in the South West region

15. Questions? Dr. Purnima Sundar Research and Knowledge Exchange Consultant 613.737.7600 Ext. 3485 psundar@cheo.on.ca

16. Questions for breakout groups 1.What are your experiences with the issue of addictions and child and youth mental health? (this can be professional and/or personal) 2.Currently, what are the strengths of the South West region in responding to youth with these challenges? 3.Currently, what are the gaps in the South West region in responding to youth with these challenges? 4.What are 3 things you would like to see happen in this area over the next 6 months? 5.What is your role in making these changes? 6.Do you use technology (website, online tools, texting) in your work with youth? 7.How can you integrate technology into your practice? Feel free to ask youth for feedback, insights and opinions at any time during this process!