World Mental Health Day
October 10th is World Mental Health Day, a global initiative aimed at “raising awareness of mental health issues and mobilizing support efforts worldwide”, as stated by the World Health Organization.
This day emphasizes the importance of mental health in all areas of life - at home, in schools, workplaces, and throughout our communities. It also provides an opportunity for mental health professionals to talk about their work and what more needs to be done to improve mental health care for people worldwide.
So, what can each of us do today to make a meaningful contribution?
Through open conversations, reducing stigma, and sharing resources, we can create a supportive environment that promotes well-being for everyone. We encourage parents and guardians to talk with their students about mental health and remind them that sometimes it's okay not to be okay.
Resources
erase (Expect Respect and a Safe Education):
- Mental Health & Substance Use - resources for students, adults, and school staff
- Have a conversation - how to talk about mental health with children and youth
Language Matters! An Introductory Guide for Understanding Mental Health and Substance Use: A Resource for Educators and School Communities: supports mental health literacy (facilitating conversations, building shared understandings, and learning commonly used mental health concepts and terms in the K-12 system)
The Decision-Making Tool: toolkit to support educators in identifying appropriate mental health & substance use resources for their learners
Virtual Mental Health Supports:
Foundrybc.ca virtual:
Access province-wide virtual services with counselling, peer support, family support, groups and workshops for young people 12 to 24 and their caregivers. All services are free and confidential, and may be accessed through the Foundry BC app, chat, phone (1 833 308-6379) or video calls.
Kids Help Phone:
Get 24/7, immediate counselling, support, information and referrals. Youth can call 1 800 668-6868 or text TALK to 686868.
Y Mind: YMCA mental wellness programs
Free online programs for young people aged 13 to 30. The YMCA of British Columbia’s Y Mind program helps young people cope with stress, worry and anxiety.
Here2Talk
Confidential, free counselling and referral services by app, phone or online chat for all registered post-secondary students. Here2Talk is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
LGBTQ2S+
Gender and sexuality alliance meetings that take place online and over the phone. Find resources on SOGI 123, by educators for educators, to support students looking for a safe place to share.
310Mental Health Support
Call 310-6789 for emotional support, information and resources specific to mental health
1-800-SUICIDE
Call 1-800-784-2433 if you are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including thoughts of suicide
KUU-US Crisis Response Service
Call 1-800-588-8717 for culturally-aware crisis support for Indigenous peoples in B.C.