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York Region District School Board

Resources

We have developed a number of resources to promote and support student mental health. There are also many community resources available to support students and families with issues surrounding mental health and addictions, including resources for students and parents​/guardians.

*Please note: these resources contain general information about mental health issues. They are not intended as a substitute for the advice of a trained professional. 

 

Summer Mental Health and Well-Being Guide

As we end the school year and enter the summer months, we pause to acknowledge moments of hope, courage, joy and resilience. We also acknowledge the many realities that impact our mental health and well-being. The summer months may look different for each household. However you and your family spend the summer months, we hope this guide can provide helpful tips for maintaining positive mental health and well-being. 

Summer Mental Health and Well-Being Guide with image of a sunflower and rainbow colours in the background

Download Summer Mental Health and Well-Being Guide (PDF).

Included in this guide:

  1. Tips for Supporting Positive Mental Health and Well-Being Over the Summer

  2. Monday to Friday Daily Themes

  3. Telephone & Chat Mental Health Supports 

  4. Virtual Supports & Walk-ins in York Region

  5. Mental Health Hubs and Resources/ Helpful Apps

  6. Resources For Students with Developmental Disabilities and Autism

  7. Health and Physical Education Resources

  8. Summer Camps, Groups and More

  9. Explore and Learn: Mental Health Information/Resources

  10. York Region District School Board Community Partners

 

Mental Health Support in Light of War In Ukraine and Global Conflicts 2022

In light of the current war in Ukraine and our ongoing commitment to the Student Well-Being and Mental Health goals outlined in the Director’s Action Plan (DAP), the York Region District School Board School Psychology and Social Work staff have collaborated with CRES Partner, COSTI Immigrant Services to offer three supportive mental health gatherings for parents/caregivers, students grades 6-8, and students grades 9-12. 

The Series: YRDSB in Collaboration with COSTI - Mental Health Event for Families and Youth in Light of the War in Ukraine: An evening to “Acknowledge – Bridge- and Connect” During Global Conflicts

The events are open to all parents, caregivers, and families acknowledging that we all may have different experiences in relation to the war in Ukraine. For some it may be very personal, and for others with similar lived experiences, it may also be emotionally impactful. At the events,  families will hear about common reactions to stress and trauma as well as potential ways to cope and support their mental health and their child using the ABCs (i.e., Acknowledge, Bridge, Connection) of Mental Health.  Youth will hear about common reactions to stress and trauma as well as potential ways to cope and support their mental health using the ABCs of Mental Health. Each event will end with a brief panel discussion responding to pre-submitted participant questions found in the registration form.

 

After School and Evening Virtual Sessions - Dates and Times

Students Grades 6-8: May 24, 2022, 4:00-5:00 pm

Students Grades 9-12 : May 30, 2022, 4:00-5:00 pm 

Parent/Caregiver: June, 1, 2022, 6:30-7:30 pm

 

Register for the event: 

Please complete online registration form.

*The virtual meeting link will be shared with registrants prior to the event.

 

For more information about the After School and Evening Mental Health Supports in Light of War In Ukraine, contact: 

 

Resources

  • Naseeha (1-866-627-3342)   Provides anonymous, non-judgmental, confidential and toll-free peer support to Muslim and non-muslims callers

  • Hope for Wellness Helpline (1-855-242-3310) offers immediate help to all Indigenous peoples across Canada. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

  • Black Youth Helpline: (416-285-9944/1-833-294-8650) serves all youth and specifically responds to the need for a Black youth specific service. Youth Line offers confidential and non-judgemental peer support through telephone, text and chat services. Get in touch with a peer support volunteer from Sunday to Friday, 4:00PM to 9:30 PM. 

  • Kids Help Phone provides support from children and youth by text, phone, live chat, the always there app and through online resources. Professional counsellors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Telephone: 1-800-668-6868

  • Foundry is a BC-based resources for teens and young adults provides tip sheets, videos and quizzes on mental health. 

  • MindShift mobile app from Anxiety Canada is designed to help teens and young adults cope with anxiety.

  • Bounce Back is a toolkit for schools to promote mental health and resiliency. 

 

 

Speaking with Your Child about Mental Health​

If you are worried about your child's moods or behaviours, talk to your child about it. You might say something like:

  • "I've noticed lately that __________, and I'm worried because that's not typical for you."

  • "How are you doing?"

  • "How have you been feeling? You seem really down lately?"

  • "What's been bugging you these days?" or "What's been stressing you out these days?"

Talk to the staff at your child's school. Talk to your child's teacher, who is able to see your child at school and compare how your child is doing compared to other children. You might ask:

  • How your child is doing in school

  • How your child is getting along with teachers or classmates

  • Any concerns the teacher has

Build in daily ways to foster your child’s mental health and well-being:

  • Encourage good sleep habits as getting enough sleep supports mental health and well-being and decreases incidents of mental illness.

  • Encourage daily “face to face” time with family and friends  as this builds social resilience and supports relationships.

  • Promote a habit of gratitude with ourselves and others as gratitude has been shown to be a factor that promotes mental health and well-being.​

It's possible that the problems that you have noticed either don't show up at school, or haven't been noticed at the school. Often children and youth are able to "hold it in" until after school, especially if the problem isn't yet serious. But it's still important to get help for your child or teen, even if the school hasn't identified a problem. If school staff has noticed something wrong, they may be able to offer support. School social workers, guidance counsellors or psychologists may be available to help. The school may also be able to refer you to other helpful community resources.

Include friends and other parents. Get to know your child or teen's friends. Encourage your child to have friends over and make friends feel welcome (allow reasonable privacy and lots of food!). Be friendly with your child's friends, and take an interest in them. But don't come on too strong. You want to create a situation where a friend would feel comfortable sharing concerns about your child or teen with you. Research studies have shown that youth with a mental health problem are more likely to tell a friend than an adult. Make an effort to meet other parents at school or sports events, or when dropping kids off. You may be able to ask other parents if they've noticed anything about your child, or if their child has shared a concern.

Take your child to see a family physician or pediatrician or have your child seen by a mental health professional, like a school psychologist, school social worker, or psychiatrist.​