Christmas Crisis? Call Kids Help

Kids Help Phone | Dec 21, 2016

Data released by Kids Help Phone has shown that the period between Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve can be a troubling time for kids in Canada, with the number of ‘crisis calls’ – calls that can include disclosures of abuse, self-harm, or thoughts or plans of suicide – increasing by as much as 23 per cent.

“The holidays are a wonderful time of year for many as we spend time celebrating with friends and family. But for those young people who’ve had a hard year, or have a challenging home life, this time of year can feel especially difficult, even overwhelming,” said Jennifer Murdoch, Association Vice-Present, Counselling Operations, Kids Help Phone.

“In fact, for some young people who have experienced issues such as abuse, depression or thoughts of suicide, the holidays can be a triggering time that can dramatically increase their need to access a crisis support services like ours.”
Kids Help Phone is always open 24 hours a day, seven days per week and receives more than 500 contacts per day over the holidays, many from young people who are in crisis or have nowhere else to turn.

“When kids contact us during the holiday season, they’re often in a heightened state of crisis. We receive calls from kids who are contemplating suicide, kids who are experiencing abuse, kids under a lot of pressure or stress who are trying to cope any way they can, and kids who are contemplating self-harm,” said Murdoch.

“Young people can access our service no matter where they are or what time it is. Our counsellors are trained in handling crisis situations and are open to any conversation, nothing is off limits.”

Suicide and thoughts of suicide represent eight per cent of all counselling sessions at Kids Help Phone and twenty-eight per cent of counselling sessions are related to mental and emotional health issues.

“Kids Help Phone is a trusted ally to youth, from stress to bullying to thoughts of suicide, young people can talk to us about any problem or concern they have. During the holiday season, it’s crucial to let young people know that we are always open for them in every moment of crisis or need, that we’re always there,” said Murdoch.

Six in ten Canadians will make a donation this holiday season, giving over $5bn dollars to support critical charities like Kids Help Phone.

“The holidays are when we need donations the most. We rely on these donations to provide our critical service – a service that kids have been turning to for help during their most difficult challenges for more than 25 years,” said Murdoch.

About Kids Help Phone
Kids Help Phone is a charity that provides counselling and referrals in both official languages as the only national helpline for young people. Since 1989, Kids Help Phone has offered kids and teens hope and support through its confidential and anonymous service. As an organization that speaks with young people every day, Kids Help Phone works to share their perspectives and improve their emotional health and well-being. Kids Help Phone raises the majority of its revenue from individuals, foundations, corporations, and community fundraising.