The York Catholic District School Board recognizes the importance of increasing awareness of the early signs of child and youth mental health problems, decreasing stigma, and understanding that help is available. We are strongly committed to promoting Mental Well-Being in all our students.

Students are encouraged to seek help if they are struggling in any way. Guidance Counsellors, teachers, administrators, doctors are always ready and willing to help.

There are many resources available for students.

• 211 Ontario (Community Support Services)

• 310 Cope (24/7 Crisis Line)

• Kids Help Phone

• Addiction Services for York Region

• Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse and Addiction

• Canadian Mental Health Association

• Children’s Mental Health Ontario

• National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline

• Ontario Ministry of Child and Youth Services

• York Region: Mental Health and Wellbeing
• The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)
• Youthspace.ca
• Canadian Mental Health Association (York and South Simcoe)

(Courtesy of York University’s Adolescent Psychology Study)

1. Get a good night’s sleep!

• Keep your body and mind in top shape
• Be equipped to deal with stressors

2. Learn to relax

• Learn simple breathing exercises and then use them in challenging situations
• Build time into your own schedule for activities that are calming and fun

3. Treat your body well

• Get moving! Exercise helps manage stress
• Eat well to help your body function at its best. Under stressful conditions, the body needs vitamins and minerals more than ever
• Routine, routine, routine! Sleep and eat at regular times

4. Watch what you’re thinking

• Learn to think more optimistically and reap the benefits
• Learn to rethink how you view negative situations- look at them as opportunities to grow

5. Solve the little problems

• Strengthen your sense of control in challenging situations
• Look at a problem, figure out options, and take some action. Adopt the motto: Just do it.
• Build the inner confidence to move on to life’s bigger problems
• Build your resilience

6. See change as challenging and normal

• See setbacks as temporary and solvable
• You’ll succeed if you keep working toward your goals
• Take action to solve problems
• Have a support system and ask for help
• Participate in activities for relaxation and fun