Local teen counselling agency gets boost
Stigma Enigma puts up $127k donation
A $127,000 donation by the fundraising group Stigma Enigma will help 150 local teens and youngsters get the help they need sooner to deal with mental health issues.
Stigma Enigma founder Dr. Patrick Smith said in a news release that $127,185 raised during the organization’s 3rd annual Mingle for Mental Health, which featured Margaret Trudeau as its guest speaker, will help Maryvale Adolescent and Family Services provide mental health care to area teens.
Maryvale executive director Connie Martin said the influx of cash will help ease some of the long wait times for services.
“That money has allowed us to hire two full-time therapists,” Martin said. “They will see between them about 150 more new kids in the upcoming year.”
Approximately 800 students are treated annually at Maryvale, a facility that assists young people dealing with serious emotional, psychological and mental distress.
Martin said waiting lists are not uncommon and oftentimes the lists are closed down because there is no chance that “we’re going to get to (a youngster) even in the next six months.”
Asked what happens to kids in those situations, Martin said that some just feel desperate and don’t do anything while others seek private treatment if they can afford it. Still others must look outside of Windsor-Essex County for help.
Martin attributes the huge demand for teenagers needing counselling to today’s fast-paced, demanding world.
“There’s a high level of anxiety going on in kids,” she said. “A lot of bullying and not knowing how to respond or defend themselves back against it. A lot are under pressures from social media.
“There’s just an incredible, it seems to be an unending demand for teenagers that need counselling.”
And because children’s mental health services are not protected by legislation in Ontario, Martin said organizations like Maryvale rely heavily on fundraising.
Stigma Enigma more than doubled the amount of money it’s raised in previous years, thanks to local interest in hearing Trudeau, ex-wife of former prime minister Pierre Trudeau and mother of current PM Justin Trudeau, speak about her long battle with bipolar disorder.
The annual event’s aim is to raise awareness about mental health issues, try to eliminate the stigma around talking about it and to encourage individuals to reach out for help.
This year’s guest speaker will be four-time Olympian Silken Laumann.
Tickets for the Nov. 11 event will go on sale in August.