Importance of mental health
Mental health is just as important as physical health. The two affect one another. It is important to help promote and protect the mental health of our children and youth so that they can reach their developmental milestones, form healthy relationships, and succeed while at school. Fostering a healthy sense of self and positive mental health in youth helps to foster resilient adults.
School-based mental health program delivery
The Healthy Schools Team at Southwestern Public Health promotes mental health in schools. In addition to advocating for mental health resources, being available for consultation and creating communications about mental health, we also design and deliver mental health programs. For the 2023/2024 school year we are excited to be offering two large mental health programs.
Our mental health series will be offered either in an electronic format, or in person, to every elementary school in our region. The series consists of mental health lessons, activities and resources for each month of the school year on a wide range of relevant mental health topics. Check out these photos of the mental health series in action!
We offer Healthy Relationships Plus to Grade 7 and 8 students in collaboration with local school boards. Healthy Relationships Plus is an evidence-based program designed to help youth learn the importance of social-emotional regulation, healthy relationship skills, and positive coping strategies.
- Digital Literacy and Online Safety: Mental Health Series, September (For the French version, click here)
- Physical Activity: Mental Health Series, October (For the French version, click here)
- Bullying and Cyber Bullying: Mental Health Series, November (For the French version, click here)
- Coping, Resiliency, and Stress: Mental Health Series, December/January (For French version, click here).
- Positive Body Image: Mental Health Series, February (For French version, click here).
- Positive Relationships with Food: Mental Health Series, March (For French version, click here).
- Empathy, Mindfulness and Caring: Mental Health Series, April (For French version, click here).
Bullying & COVID-19
There is growing concern about school community members being bullied regarding mask wearing at school. To foster empathy and create an inclusive environment for all, we encourage families to have conversations with their children about the diverse circumstances in which others make personal masking decisions. It is important that we recognise individual risk threshold can look different for some families and that we be respectful of decisions based on those thresholds.
Mental health referrals
Building mental health habits to help us cope with life’s challenges is important for everyone. But sometimes that isn’t enough. If you, or someone you love, is facing a more serious and immediate mental health concern, there are mental health resources in Oxford and Elgin which can help. Please check out the links below to connect to local services:
Curriculum supports
Are you a teacher looking for some activities and resources to incorporate mental health into your classroom? Check out some of these great activities from school mental health Ontario. They teach: social-emotional regulation, mental health literacy, how to deal with anxiety, and other important mental health topics
- Ways to support students during challenging world events
- Grab and Go Activities
- Mental Health Literacy and Anxiety Management
- Social Emotional Learning: Everyday Mental Health Practices
- When Parents and Caregivers are Concerned about their Child’s Mental Health
- Classroom Mental Health Resources from School Mental Health Ontario
- Test and Exam Stress: Strategies to Perform at Your Best from School Mental Health Ontario (for the French version, click here)
Things you can do at home
If you are a parent looking for ways to incorporate mental health at home, and to help your child regulate their emotions check out these parent/ child activities: