MENTAL HEALTH
Addressing it in the school (Halton District School Board)
Mental Health is defined as:
"A state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community." (World Health Organization)
It is important that we address this issue in our schools, as 1 in 5 children struggle with their mental health (Children's Mental Health Ontario)
Some factors that contribute to mental health include: genetics, negative early life experiences, self-esteem and current social circumstances (Children's Mental Health Ontario)
How do we promote good mental health in HDSB schools?
* Anti-bullying campaigns (Preventing Bullying Brochure)
http://www.hdsb.ca/Downloads/PreventingBullying.pdf
* School Connectedness Game (pdf link found here: http://www.halton.ca/cms/One.aspx?pageId=90578)
* Teaching Emotional Intelligence to our students with a focus on:
http://www.hdsb.ca/Downloads/PreventingBullying.pdf
* School Connectedness Game (pdf link found here: http://www.halton.ca/cms/One.aspx?pageId=90578)
* Teaching Emotional Intelligence to our students with a focus on:
- Self-Awareness (recognizing feelings)
- Managing Emotions (finding ways to deal with emotions)
- Empathy (understanding the feelings of others)
- Communication (being able to express feelings in a positive manner)
- Co-operation (knowing when and how to take the lead)
- Resolving conflicts (using all of these EI skills together to resolve conflicts)
How can we educate our students on mental health in HDSB schools?
1. Curriculum, Teaching & Learning
3. Home, School & Community Partnership
- Teach anti-bullying & self-esteem themes through role-play
- Incorporate Emotional Intelligence themes into curriculum planning
- P.A.L.S. (Playground Activity Leaders in Schools program)
- Use Stress Lessons Classroom Toolkit
- Incorporate yoga and deep breathing techniques into Phys. Ed programs
- Mental Health Liaison program
- Schools as a Setting for Promoting Positive Mental Health
3. Home, School & Community Partnership
- Canadian Mental Health Association
- Children's Mental Health Ontario
- New Mentality Halton
Links for our parents
- Pathways to Care
- Video - "How to spot the signs of a mental health concern in children"
Email: amy.curitti@gmail.com
Website: mentalhealthawareness.com
Location: Oakville, ON, Canada
Resources
- World Health Organization website
- Children's Mental Health Ontario website
- Halton District School Board website
- Halton Region website