Back to school during COVID-19: Mental health tips for youth and parents

As students and parents prepare for back-to school-season amid a global pandemic, CMHA-WECB is reminding everyone to keep mental health in mind during these unprecedented times. Students and parents are facing new challenges this school year due to COVID-19. Whether students take classes online or in class, the pressures remain the same.

CMHA suggests maintaining positive mental health with the following strategies:

• Take care of your body. Mental and physical health are fundamentally linked. Make sure to get enough sleep, drink water, and eat well.

• Build resiliency. Set aside time to think about the resiliency tools available to you, such as structured problem-solving skills or people who can help you during difficult situations.

• Reach out for support. Social support is an important part of mental health. People in our networks can offer emotional support, practical help, and alternate points of view. Contact CMHA-WECB for mental health support in your community.

Mental health supports for everyone, including children and youth, are also available. Here are a few organizations to consider:

• BounceBack: bouncebackontario.ca
  A free, guided self-help program that’s effective in helping people aged 15 and up who are experiencing mild-to-moderate anxiety or depression, or may be feeling low, stressed, worried, irritable or angry.
• Centre for Innovation in Campus Mental Health (CICMH): campusmentalhealth.ca
  CICMH has compiled an orientation package of campus mental health resources available across the province. Resources include Loss and Grief During the COVID-19 Pandemic and the Graduate Student Mental Health Toolkit.
• Children’s Mental Health Ontario Centres: cmho.org/find-help/find-a-centre
  100 member organizations operating in every region in Ontario, providing treatment and support to children, youth, and families. Free. No referral required.