Mental Health
Making a Difference...
What is mental health?
Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.
In memory of Athena and other victims of teen suicide...
In Canada, suicide is the second highest cause of death for youth aged 10-24. Each year, on average, 294 youths die from suicide. Many more attempt suicide.
Adolescence is a time of dramatic change. The journey from child to adult can be complex and challenging. Young people often feel tremendous pressure to succeed at school, at home and in social groups. At the same time, they may lack the life experience that lets them know that difficult situations will not last forever.
Promoting Positive Mental Health in Schools
- Direct Teaching of Social Skills - Consistent modelling, teaching, and reinforcement of positive social skills is an important part of successfully encouraging positive social behaviour among students, helping to enhance students’ self-control, respect for the rights of others, and sense of responsibility for their own actions.
- Engage students socially, academically, and intellectually.
- Engage students as Leaders - Students leaders are strong peer influences when empowered and engaged.
- Foster partnerships where students are encouraged to express their feelings and needs, their diversity, and celebrate their successes.
- Provide opportunities for students to use their strengths and recognize even the smallest accomplishments.
Resources
The Canadian Mental Health Association:
https://www.cmha.ca/mental-health/understanding-mental-illness/
Caring and Safe Schools in Ontario
http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/general/elemsec/speced/Caring_Safe_School.pdf
Teen Mental Health