Support is being rounded up as a growing number of youth struggle with their mental health.

Vernon School District substance abuse prevention counsellor Doug Rogers is bringing a doctor and youth to speak at a parent resource event Wednesday.

"Dr. Marvin Krank and his daughter Lily will talk about anxiety and depression and offer some potential remedies," said Rogers, who is seeing increasingly more students battling mental health issues.

Multiple factors are causing it, according to Rogers.

Social media and fear of missing out (fomo) is one, as youth are constantly watching what others are doing.

Rogers says COVID also didn't really help, along with political causes, and environments of violence and bullying.

For youth who are faced with heavy anxiety and depression, he offers some immediate tips to help them overcome the struggles.

"Mindfulness (333...see three objects, listen for three things, look at three body parts)," Rogers suggests as an in-the-moment remedy.

He also suggests meditation and yoga.

The Kranks will offer more tips and resources for families at the Anxiety and Depression in Youth free event Nov. 6 at 7 p.m. in the Vernon Secondary School theatre.

The event is targeted to Kindergarten to Grade 12 parents but students are also welcome.

The presentation will explain what anxiety and depression are, including causes, risk factors and early warning signs.

"You'll learn how widespread these issues are and how they can affect mental, emotional and physical health," the event description reads.

Marvin, Dean Emeritus at UBC, studies substance abuse and mental health in youth. His current research is on the social, personality and cognitive processes impacting substance use and mental health. He has recently studied effectiveness of personality targeted interventions to reduce substance abuse and improve mental health in youth.

Lily is a second year masters students in clinical psychology at UBC with a focus on supporting vulnerable populations and decreasing stigma.

Their presentation is free and no registration is needed.