Twice a month, we will share information, articles, resources, and activities on mental health. We encourage our Durham Catholic families, students and staff to utilize these strategies as needed.
| January 4, 2021 - Noticing and Responding to Mental Health Concerns |
| Elementary |
|
As a parent, you might notice changes in your child’s or teen’s behaviour or emotions and wonder if these changes are just normal ups and downs, if they’re associated with the pandemic or related to an emerging mental health concern. Identifying problems early, and providing caring support goes a long way towards prevention and/or worsening of difficulties. When parents discuss their concerns with their children, it opens up the lines of communication and may be the first step in helping to improve the situation. School Mental Health Ontario provides more information about how to approach the conversation, and what to do next, at this link:
https://smho-smso.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Info-sheet-noticing-concerns.pdf
If you’re concerned, you can ask your principal about school mental health services that may be available. Students and families can also call the new DCDSB Social Work Access Line (905-576-6150, ext. 21021) and leave a voicemail to receive a call back. (Note: this is not a crisis line and is not monitored 24/7). A list of local resources, including crisis lines and non-crisis support can be found here: https://www.dcdsb.ca/en/programs-services/Mental-Health.aspx?_mid_=100106
|
| Secondary |
|
As a parent, you might notice changes in your child’s or teen’s behaviour or emotions and wonder if these changes are just normal ups and downs, if they’re associated with the pandemic or related to an emerging mental health concern. Identifying problems early, and providing caring support goes a long way towards prevention and/or worsening of difficulties. When parents discuss their concerns with their children, it opens up the lines of communication and may be the first step in helping to improve the situation. School Mental Health Ontario provides more information about how to approach the conversation, and what to do next, at this link:
https://smho-smso.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Info-sheet-noticing-concerns.pdf
If you’re concerned, you can ask your principal about school mental health services that may be available. Students and families can also call the new DCDSB Social Work Access Line (905-576-6150, ext. 21021) and leave a voicemail to receive a call back. (Note: this is not a crisis line and is not monitored 24/7). A list of local resources, including crisis lines and non-crisis support can be found here: https://www.dcdsb.ca/en/programs-services/Mental-Health.aspx?_mid_=100106
|
|
For more information and resources, click here.
