WELLINGTON COUNTY – As students prepare to return to school next week, experts say it’s important to remember to keep their mental health “top of mind.”
The Canadian Mental Health Association Waterloo Wellington (CMHA) and The Grove Youth Wellness Hubs have released a statement recommending parents, teachers and children watch for “major changes” in students’ mental health
“A lot of people find back-to-school season challenging. You are not alone,” CMHA children’s services director Krista Sibbilin stated.
“Parents, teachers and children are carrying a heavy emotional load.”
The release notes that “Whether students are returning to the same school, entering a new school year or heading off to post-secondary, the transition can be exciting but can cause stress and anxiety too.”
CMHA and the Grove are offering the following tips to support mental health:
- listen to what everyone is experiencing – and not criticizing – gives open space to talk;
- share that it’s normal to feel nervous about going back to school;
- normalize the topic that summer is coming to an end, gradually get back into the school routine;
- set a bedtime closer to what it should be for the school year, sleep is important for overall mental health; and
- consider taking younger children to play at the school playground to become re-acquainted with the space. Preparation helps with feelings of uncertainty.
“While there is no answer for how September unfolds … you have an opportunity to help each other navigate through emotions by listening, validating and helping to problem-solve to ensure a successful transition,” stated Sibbilin.
School boards
Wellington Catholic District School Board Mental health lead Sony Brar told the Advertiser the board is partnering with the Upper Grand District School Board (UGDSB) and Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health to conduct a wellbeing survey.
“This survey helps to highlight areas with encouraging changes and areas we want to continue to focus our efforts in supporting student mental health wellbeing in school,” added Brar.
The partnership allows each party to gain access to recent data from students, parents and staff through “The Wellbeing Health Youth” survey.
“Our focus will be warmly welcoming our students back, getting to know our learners, building relationships and creating classroom communities where our students feel valued, seen and have a sense of belonging,” said Brar.
UGDSB mental health lead Jenny Marino explained what different stressors and mental health struggles can look like for a student.
“Struggles can look like school or work avoidance, lack of engagement, difficulty managing emotions, difficulty managing frustration or withdrawing,” Marino told the Advertiser via email.
School boards are aware of the challenges faced by children, youth and families in the community, she stated.
UGDSB officials say they have noticed an increase in financial insecurity for families, social emotional challenges and distress.
They noted “championing health and well-being” is one of their five “core” components of a multi-year plan.
Grove hubs
The Grove provides access to safe spaces where youth from 12 to 25 and their families can drop-in to connect with friends and access local support and mental health services.
Hubs strive to empower youth to take the lead in their own mental health and wellness journey.
“We do continue to see steady rises in youth accessing services and right now we’re really focusing on back-to-school,” Grove youth outreach worker Kayleigh Hilborn told the Advertiser.
Youth gravitate to the hubs for many different needs – some visit to access a mental health clinician and others join to engage in social activities in a safe space. Those struggling can also connect with a youth ambassador who offers peer-to-peer support.
When asked what sets The Grove apart from other wellbeing facilities, Hilborn replied, “they don’t have to keep going place to place … they can pop in here and get connected in one place.”
The wellness hubs released the following recommendations for youth transitioning to high school or college/university:
- get familiar with your new school, campus or other important locations;
- set goals for the school year (helps motivate);
- prioritize physical and mental health, getting enough sleep and engage in physical activity;
- develop strong study habits;
- plan/make a schedule; and
- ask for help if needed (having a community can help with one’s mental health).
“We believe that every young person deserves access to the support and resources they need to thrive,” said Hilborn.
Those interested can find a hub location closest to them at youthhubs.ca.
Here4Kids and Here 24/7 services for children and youth can be accessed by calling 1-844-454-3711 or 1-844-427-3247 or visiting here247.ca.
