Bell Let’s Talk Day returns for its 15th year on January 22, focusing on the growing youth mental health crisis. This year’s theme shines a spotlight on the challenges faced by young people, particularly around trauma, abuse, and mental health struggles, and the communication skills needed to seek help from the adults in their lives. At Scarborough Health Network (SHN), we are committed to providing comprehensive care to children and adolescents, recognizing that early intervention is key to supporting mental wellness and preventing long-term harm.

Dr. Gaiathry Jeyarajan, a psychiatrist in the Emergency Department (ED) at Centenary Hospital, is at the forefront of addressing the mental health needs of both adults and children. With over 15 years of healthcare experience and a specialization in post-traumatic stress disorder, Dr. Jeyarajan works tirelessly to help individuals who have experienced trauma, including many children and adolescents visiting the ED. She knows firsthand how critical informed communication and earlier intervention is to support mental health during development.

“When we see mental health challenges in children, it’s often a result of unresolved trauma, sometimes because the adults in their lives didn’t have the knowledge or resources to help them cope,” said Dr. Jeyarajan.

“It’s so important to teach not only children, but their caregivers, guardians, and educators as well, on how to recognize boundaries and signs of trauma. When kids are taught the right words, like ‘this makes me uncomfortable’ or ‘this hurts me,’ it opens up a world of possibility for them to get help before their mental health can be further impacted.”

Dr. Jeyarajan’s dedication to trauma prevention led her to write the children’s book Ella’s Choice, which educates young readers—and parents—about bodily autonomy, boundaries, and emotional safety. Released in 2021 and aimed at children as young as three, the book follows Ella as she learns about important concepts like consent and voicing comfort level in a child-friendly format, which is crucial to a child’s healthy mental development and personal safety.

“Children often don’t have the language to describe what they’re feeling or what they’ve experienced,” Dr. Jeyarajan shared.

“That’s why it’s key that parents and teachers are equipped to guide them. I’ve seen children as young as three start using the word ‘boundaries’ in their everyday lives to resolve conflicts and speak up for themselves. That’s how we begin to break the cycle of trauma and build healthier, stronger futures for our kids.”

The publication of the book was well-received, prompting a review from National Post and interview with Dr. Jeyarajan on CBC News, where she delved into the messages of Ella’s Choice and their direct ties to mental health. Find Ella’s Choice on Amazon and Indigo, where a portion of the sale proceeds are donated to provide books to hospitals, libraries, marginalized communities, and Children’s Aid Society.

As we observe Bell Let’s Talk Day, it’s important to remember that mental health care is not just about treatment: it’s about prevention, education, and creating a culture of understanding and empathy from an early age. The resources we offer at SHN, combined with the education provided through initiatives like Dr. Jeyarajan’s book, can be life-changing for children and families who may not know where to turn for help.

SHN provides a wide array of mental health services for youth through the Shoniker Clinic, which includes specialized care options like the ADHD Clinic, First Intervention Treatment Team Clinic, Link Program, and the Slaight Dialectical Behaviour Therapy Program. These services are designed to support children and adolescents who are struggling with mental health challenges, including trauma, anxiety, emotional regulation, and mental disorders. Through these programs, we aim to offer early intervention, support, and education to ensure that the young people in our community have the tools they need to thrive.

To learn more about SHN’s child and adolescent mental health services, and how you can get educated on youth mental health, visit www.shn.ca/mental-health-care/child-and-adolescent-mental-health.