Children and youth mental health

Youth and Mental Health

Understanding what mental health is, can help you talk to your child about their mental well-being. Think of mental health as a range with one end being good mental health and the other end being poor mental health. We all move across this range at various times in our lives and we can all experience poor mental health at times in our life. Just like physical health, it is important we take care of our mental health.

Your child’s mental health can be affected by genetics, what is currently happening in their life, past experiences, and access to resources and supports.

There are things you can do as a parent to support your child’s mental well-being.

  • Prioritize sleep.
  • Move more.
  • Get outdoors – Being outdoors and in nature can help reduce stress and relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression.
  • Manage and monitor screen time.
  • Eat well.
  • Listen, respond, and connect with your child or youth.
  • Manage stress – Some stress is normal, but too much can make it difficult for children to concentrate, learn and get along with others. Too much stress can interfere with a child’s ability to manage everyday tasks and can lead to physical and emotional health problems.

Sometimes help from a trained person is needed.

Most Ontario schools have mental health professionals on staff who provide supports to students. If your child is already connected to their school support team, reach out to them. If not, check with the school principal to learn about school supports that are available.

School Mental Health Ontario provides information on supports available in Ontario schools and tips on how to work with your school to support your child’s mental health.

Children’s Mental Health Ontario is a network of child and youth mental health centres ready to help children, youth and families with free counselling and treatment. Visit the website to find a child and youth mental health centre in your area.

Kids Help Phone offers support to kids, teens, and parents or caregivers. Phone and virtual mental health services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

One Stop Talk/Parlons maintenant – For children and youth to get connected to a professional clinician (by phone or online) for a session of brief therapy. Parents and caregivers are welcome to connect to the service with their child. To begin a session by phone, call: 1-855-416-8255 / 1-855-416-TALK. There is also the option to connect with a therapist through a virtual chat on the website through the link above.

  • Listen, respond and connect with your child or youth. Supportive relationships are an important stress reliever for children. Spend time with your child, listen to them and show them love and affection. Canadian Paediatric Society offers specific tips on talking to your teen.
  • Develop routines. Daily routines help children feel their world is predictable and safe. Morning routines get the day off to a good start and bedtime routines help children relax and fall asleep.
  • Move more. Activities like going for a walk, playing catch or dancing to music release brain chemicals that help children feel less tense and anxious.
  • Get outdoors. Getting outdoors will help you and your child recharge and de-stress.
  • Practice calming strategies together. Teaching your child simple relaxation exercises can help calm a difficult moment.
  • Role model calm. Staying calm will teach your child how to respond to stressful situations. Visit our improving your mental health page for tips and strategies to help manage your own stress and mental health.
  • Visit Caring for Kids at the Canadian Paediatric Society for more ways to support your child’s mental health.

All children and youth are different. If you are concerned about your child’s mental health, consider whether there are changes in the way they think, feel or act. Mental health problems can present as physical problems like increased headaches or stomach aches, decreased energy, problems sleeping or changes in appetite. Visit School Mental Health Ontario for a list of signs that may indicate a mental health concern for your child or youth.

24 hour crisis lines. Call in an emergency.

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