Mental Health & Well-Being

Our efforts are led by School Mental Health Ontario, a provincial team designed to help Ontario school boards build capacity to support student mental health and well-being, through effective implementation of research-based programs and strategies. Our direction is guided by our Mental Health Strategy.

What is Mental Health?

The World Health Organization defines mental health as a “state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.” (World Health Organization)

This is the ideal toward which we strive.

Why Student Mental Health?

Mental well-being encourages individuals to explore, take healthy risks, overcome adversity and contribute to the world around them. Schools are excellent places to build the skills, attitudes, knowledge and habits that support mental well-being for ALL students and staff.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY

Please note that these services are not designed to be a crisis service and we do not operate on the weekends and beyond the school day. While we are committed to diligent monitoring of the email access routes, if you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health or substance use emergency, call 911 or go to your emergency department at your local hospital. Even in the middle of the COVID-19 crisis, professionals are available to support you.

 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 Hands Crisis Line at 1-844-287-9072.

Children and teens can speak with a counsellor 24/7 by calling Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868 or texting CONNECT to 686868.