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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 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.
The following are strategies that parents can use to promote positive mental health in their children:
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:
Additional handouts and fact sheets for parents and students to access are listed below:
School Mental Health Ontario is an intermediary organization that works together with Ontario school districts to support student mental health. Their website provides evidence-based information and resources relevant to your specific role, whether you're a parent/family member, student, educator, system or school leader, school mental health professional or other school staff. Visit https://smho-smso.ca/ to learn more.
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.
Type of Support |
Resources and Support available in Durham Region |
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In crisis (need immediate support) |
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Non-crisis (need support or counseling) |
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Help Phone Lines |
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The tables below provide some recommended websites for parents and students to find helpful information related to mental health.
Websites for Parents and Students |
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Websites for Parents |
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Websites for Students |
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