Tel-jeunes sums up the holiday season
The holiday season, a time of joy for many, can bring distress to some young people. Loneliness, family conflicts, and anxiety are among the main reasons for seeking help. But there is a glimmer of hope: more young people are reaching out for support.
Holiday distress among young people: Tel-jeunes draws up a worrying balance sheet
The holiday season is not a happy time for everyone. Loneliness, family difficulties and mental health issues take their toll on some young people during these 2 weeks away from school and friends. Our professional intervention team was on hand to offer these teens the attentive listening and support they needed. And it's clear that they found us.
“The holiday season often rhymes with joy, but for some young people it's a particularly difficult time. If I can be there to help them feel a little less alone, by offering them a listening ear and a little comfort, that's what matters to me. Working for Tel-jeunes during this period really means a lot to me, because no one should go through the holidays in isolation.”
Layelle, counsellor
Significant rise in distress-related support requests
Quebec's teenagers called on Tel-jeunes in large numbers during this period. This year's results are marked by a significant increase in calls related to suicidal ideation, underlining the crucial importance of our services.
In fact, 1 in 5 interventions required a suicide assessment, a figure that rose sharply compared with the previous year (8.86% in 2023 versus 19.88% in 2024).
Teenagers’ main concerns during this time
In addition to this alarming finding, at this time of year, teenagers call on our teams for:
Dealing with their emotions: loneliness, heartbreak, isolation
Conflicts within their families: misunderstandings, squabbles
Anxiety: social anxiety, eating disorders
General depression: bereavement, sadness
On a positive note
We're seeing an increase in first contacts with Tel-jeunes, a sign that more teens are recognizing the need for support and reaching out.
So, while the holiday season may be over, the need continues all year round. We're more determined than ever to carry out our mission: to provide a place where young people in Quebec can be listened to and supported.
