MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT VERSION
Introduction: How To Take Care Of Your Mental Health During Covid-19 & The Return To School
We recognize that these are difficult times and that students have many questions related to COVID-19, the impact for themselves, for schools and their friends.
We also recognize that information changes frequently.
What we know for sure is that you don’t need to go through this alone, our relationships are important, and we are in this together!
This Kit contains answers and resources to address the following questions:
What can I do to take care of myself during the Covid-19 pandemic?
On the next slide you will find a special virtual space that we have created just for you! Please take some time to explore the lounge by clicking on different objects to see where they will take you. Enjoy music, story read alouds, colouring sheets and so much more….
Use Present Mode for the best viewing experience!
WELCOME
to the
Student Lounge!
Click on any item to discover a cool activity
On the next slide you will find a special virtual space that we have created just for you! Please take some time to explore the lounge by clicking on different objects to see where they will take you. Enjoy music, videos, yoga, online colouring and so much more….
Use Present Mode for the best viewing experience!
WELCOME
to the
Teen Lounge!
Welcome.
Click on any item to try it out.
Enjoy!
A Space
For Teens
How do I know if I should reach out for help
about my mental health?
These questions can help you decide whether to ask for help:
If you answered yes to any of these questions, it is probably time to connect with an adult who can help. Reaching out can prevent problems from getting worse.
For help on how to reach out and start the conversation, check out this tip sheet.
How do I know if I should reach out for help
about my mental health?
If you’re ever wondering if you might need help with your mental health, you can always speak to a trusted adult like a teacher, parent/guardian, relative, faith leader, Elder, coach, etc.
You can also call Kids Help Phone and speak to a trained counselor to see if getting more help might be a good idea. Speak with a counsellor 24/7 by calling Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868 or texting CONNECT to 686868.
Children’s Mental Health Ontario agencies are open and providing support to children and youth virtually and by phone. No physician referral is required and no OHIP card is necessary to access services. Find a Children’s Mental Health Centre in your community.
How do I know if I should reach out for help
about my mental health?
Who Can Help Me?
How do I know if I should reach out for help about my mental health?
Ask for help if you are having thoughts of suicide or harming yourself. There is always hope, and there are people ready and wanting to help. Tell a caring adult that you need help. If you need immediate assistance, here are some options:
Helpful Links
What do I do if I’m worried about a friend?
When you notice or find out that friend is struggling with a mental health problem, we like the Golden Rules from Bethere.org. They’re a good guide for how to talk to a friend you’re concerned about.
Just like with your own mental health, changes in your friend’s behaviour, thoughts and emotions that seem to be intense or lasting a long time can be signs that they need some more support.
There are things you can do to listen and support when a friend is experiencing problems with their mental health, but it’s really important that you know that you don’t have to do this alone.
What do I do if I’m worried about a friend?
If your friend has said something that makes you worry about their safety or the safety of other people, it’s important that you talk to someone, even if your friend has asked you not to.
Here are some options:
If your friend is saying they want help getting support, suggest some options:
In Case of an Emergency
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health or substance use emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to the emergency room of your local hospital. Even in these unusual times, it is important to get the immediate help that you need. There are people ready and available to help.
If you are not sure if it is an emergency, or just need to talk through the situation, consider reaching out to Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000, or the distress line or mobile crisis team in your area.
Children and teens can speak with a counsellor 24/7 by calling Kids Help Phone
Note: If you visit an emergency room, you should be prepared to participate in “active screening” for COVID-19 as part of a standard protocol at this time. You may also be asked to wear a mask. This is all normal procedure at this time and does not mean that you or your child is more vulnerable to the virus. You just may want to be prepared that the emergency room experience may look somewhat different at the moment. Try to stay calm knowing that this is just standard practice and an example of how caring professionals are providing support.