Mental Health

Research has shown that approximately 1 in 5 Canadian students has a mental health problem. Beyond the focus on symptoms and disorders, we are seeing a shift towards understanding that developing positive mental health is important to academic achievement and overall wellbeing.

We have developed a Mental Health and Addiction Strategy entitled Together for Mental Health, with a mission of creating caring and supportive Catholic school communities that promote wellbeing and maximize achievement of all learners.

Positive mental health

Positive mental health includes all students and supports the goal of prevention, inclusion, compassionate support and healthy development. All students need to have opportunities to develop their gifts, be physically active, achieve a true sense of belonging, experience joy and learn social and emotional resiliency skills for their lives. Mental health promotion should be a whole school and whole community approach, encompassing all of us.

Strategies to foster positive mental health in children

The following are strategies that parents can use to promote positive mental health in their children:

• create a sense of belonging - build strong, positive relationships;
• encourage good physical health, including adequate sleep, healthy eating and exercise;
• make time for regular family meals;
• encourage creative outlets;
• develop your child's competencies;
• keep the lines of communication open;
• model good mental and physical health habits;
• have a predictable routine;
• foster volunteering and helpfulness;
• bring fun and playfulness into your child's life.

Building resiliency in our students

Resiliency is the ability to handle life's ups and downs in positive ways; the ability to deal with disappointments and bounce back from challenges. Individuals develop skills for resilience when they are successfully engaged in school activities, have opportunities to develop positive relationship skills, and strengthen their confidence in problem solving. Adults, including parents and teachers, play an important role in helping a student engage in the school environment and access resources needed for success and wellbeing.

The following resources from Durham Region Health Department can help your children or teens become resilient:

• Teens Can
• Kids Can
• Growing Resilient Children

Where to get help if you or your child is struggling with mental health concerns

The following resources and supports are available in Durham Region. Your family doctor can also be a source of information and support, and can provide referrals to specialized services.

Web resources

The tables below provide some recommended websites for parents and students to find helpful information related to mental health.