Back to school mental health tips

As students and parents prepare for back-to school-season, CMHA-WECB is reminding people to keep mental health in mind during the transition.

While a new school year can be exciting, it can also cause stress and anxiety. CMHA suggests maintaining positive mental health during this seasonal shift 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. Resiliency means coping well with problems, stress, and other difficult situations. Problems and stress are a normal part of life. 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.

Additional mental health tips specifically for children can be found on the Children’s Mental Health Ontario website. For post-secondary students, the Centre for Innovation in Campus Mental Health (CICMH) has compiled an orientation package of campus mental health resources available across the province. Visit the CICMH website to view the full list.