PARENT, CAREGIVER AND FAMILY VERSION
Introduction to the
Student Mental Health Action Kit
During these challenging times, you may be worried about your child(ren)’s mental health and well-being. They may be:
Some or all of these feelings can be expected at this time.
This Action Kit has information about ways you can help support your child(ren)’s mental health and well-being, including answers to important questions, useful resources and how to get help.
This Kit Contains Answers and Resources
to Address the Following Questions:
How Can I Keep My Child or Teen Mentally Healthy During the COVID-19 Pandemic?
What are the
Signs My Child or Teen Might Be Struggling
With Their
Mental Health?
Created from source: https://smho-smso.ca/
How Do I Support My Child With Their
Mental Health?
The first step is to talk with your child or teen. Here are some tips on how to talk to your child or teen when you feel concerned they may be struggling with a mental health problem.
If they tell you anything that makes you worried (e.g., thoughts of suicide, overwhelming anxiety, self-injurious behaviour like cutting) reassure your child that you are glad they told you and you will help them find the right professional to talk to, and you will be there for them throughout the journey.
Children’s Mental Health Ontario has prepared tips on talking to anxious children about COVID-19.
How Can I Access Help For My Child
or Teen’s Mental Health?
Accessing TDSB Supports:
PSS staff include: Social Work, Psychology, Speech-Language Pathology, Child and Youth Services & Occupational/Physiotherapy
How Can I Access Help For My Child
or Teen’s Mental Health?
How Can I Access Help For My Child
or Teen’s Mental Health?
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.
Important Contacts
Helpful Resources
National Association of School Psychologists: Parent tips, resources for schools and school mental health professionals The Hope for Wellness Help Line: Mental health counselling and crisis intervention to all Indigenous peoples across Canada Ministry of Education – Learn at home: Find supplementary resources for elementary and secondary students to practice math and literacy skills and learn at home Youth-focused mental health resources hub: An online hub of COVID-19 youth-focused mental health resources from Jack.org, Kids Help Phone and School Mental Health Ontario Public Health Agency of Canada: Risk level for Canadians, current situation, travel advisories | Indigenous Services Canada: Information for Indigenous communities related to COVID-19 and available supports Métis Nation of Ontario: COVID-19 updates, information about culturally relevant mental health and addictions support The First Peoples Wellness Circle has put together a resource with tips for First Nations parents and families on supporting mental wellness of children and young people in their communities. Government of Ontario: Ontario news, status of cases in Ontario – updated at 10:30 a.m. daily World Health Organization: Technical documents, questions and answers |
Helpful Resources Continued...
Caregivers and Parents need to take care of themselves, too!
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, a live aquarium and so much more….
WELCOME
to the
Caregiver & Parent Lounge!
Caregiver
& Parent Lounge