With Dr. Stacey Bélanger, pediatrician at CHU Sainte-Justine Hospital in Montréal and Mental Health Task Force member at the Canadian Pediatric Society. Young people in Canada aged 12 to 17 say their mental health has declined since 2015, and the decline is more pronounced amongst young women. On top of that, children and youth who are recent immigrants or refugees, racialized, or in rural and remote communities are less likely to get appropriate mental health care. 

Think social media pressures, hyper-sexualization, stereotyping, toxic masculinity, bullying, fear of rising abuse and harassment, climate anxiety, and generally feeling left behind. The list of what girls and gender-diverse young people face today is intense. Their mental health and well-being, as well as their sense of connection, belonging, and confidence have been shaken. Their healthy relationship skill development opportunities have taken a hit, too. 

How can caring adults in the lives of girls and young people smooth the transition back to school? How can we support improved youth mental health, confidence, and healthy relationships? 

Dr. Stacey Bélanger, pediatrician with specialized training in pediatric neurology and a doctorate degree in neurological sciences, joins us. At CHU Sainte-Justine Hospital in Montréal, her focus is on patients with neurodevelopmental and mental health conditions. Dr. Bélanger is also Associate Professor of Medicine at Université de Montréal where she teaches about mental health and mental illness. She authored a book on mental health and has written in peer-reviewed journals on mental health disorders in children and youth. Amongst other roles, she sits on the Mental Health Task Force and Digital Health Task Force at the Canadian Pediatric Society. 

Relevant links: find mental health and other services and resources at canadianwomen.org⁠. 

Episode ⁠Transcripts⁠ 

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