A Narrative Inquiry Into the Experiences of Children and Youth Waiting for Mental Health Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic  

• In Event: Creative Narrative Expressions During COVID-19

Abstract

The mental health of children and youth has been greatly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic worsens existing mental health symptoms among children and youth as well as leads to new mental health issues due to isolation, illness, fear of infection, school closure, familial financial loss, disruption of routine, and uncertainty. COVID-19 has worsened the urgent need for child and youth mental health services that already existed before the pandemic. The results of "waiting" for care can be devastating resulting in early school leaving, unemployment, illegal activities, financial burdens, bullying, trauma, substance use, and suicide. This research 1)explores the experiences of children/youth waiting for mental health services 2)identifies resources/strategies/supports used while waiting, 3)provides knowledge of innovative resources/strategies/supports to strengthen the mental health system.

Author

• Margot Jackson, MacEwan University
  Presenting Author