Resources for Families

We know that it can be difficult to talk about mental health, and because of this, sometimes parents may have difficulty beginning this important conversation.

Here are some tips that might help you to talk with your child about their mental health:

• Look for a quiet time to talk with your child, free of interruptions
• Reassure your child that they can tell you anything, and that while you may experience several different emotions when they are talking about how they are doing, feeling angry with them is not one of your emotions
• Consider beginning your conversation by describing some of the changes that you have noticed in their mood or behaviour
• These conversations are often difficult! Try to stay calm and open. If you child responds to you by saying that “nothing is wrong”, reassure them that you are there for them; come back at another time and try again
• If your child shares that they are not doing well, reassure them that you are very glad that they were able to share how they were doing with you. Let them know that you are there for them to talk to and that you will support them in accessing additional support if that is required

At KPRDSB our school staff have received training and resources around how to create mentally healthy classrooms. Educators can often be important in recognizing when a student may be struggling and may need additional help.

• If you are concerned about your child's mental health, ask to speak to your child's teacher about your concerns. Please share any information that may be helpful to the teacher.
• Ask your child teacher what they have been observing at school
• School staff will be able to tell you about mental health supports that are available through KPR as well as community resources that may be available to support your child's mental health and help your family.

Here are details on the provincial curriculum related to mental health

While everyone grieves differently, there are some behaviors and emotions commonly expressed by children, depending on developmental level. When the death is sudden or frightening, some children develop traumatic grief responses, making it hard for them to cope with their grief, and sometimes additional supports are needed. 

Helping children with traumatic grief

Developmental responses to grief

Tips for grieving teens

Supporting Student Grief

Tragic events, like accidents, natural disasters, and mass violence, can impact individuals, classes, schools, communities and beyond, depending on their nature and scope. 

How students react to events will vary. Developmental stage, physical or emotional proximity to the event, and prior experience with traumatic circumstances can impact how students respond. Reactions can last for days and sometimes weeks. Typically, they subside over time as we help students talk through feelings, reassure them that they are safe and protected, and help them to gain perspective.

Additional resource to support teens following a tragic event

• Sadness
• Anxiety
• Fatigue
• Lack of focus
• Anger or irritability
• Social distancing
• Physical complaints
• Absenteeism

It's essential that you take care of yourself too—for your well-being, and so you're better able to support the students you serve. Pay attention to your thoughts and feelings. Recognize grief reactions can last for many days or weeks.

• Take the opportunity to process the situation and your feelings with your friends, family and colleagues.
• Keep regular schedules and routines.
• Remember to eat, sleep, play, exercise, and laugh.
• Practice positive ways of coping with sadness, fear, anger, and worry.
• Ask for help. You don't have to face this experience alone.

The Always There App is available through Kids Help Phone App

The Be Safe app is a free mobile app that empowers youth and young adults to be safe and reach out in times of crisis.  It allows youth to make a safety plan and learn where they can reach out for more mental health and addiction support.

Here are some helpline services and supports available for students.

• ConnexOntario 1-866-531-2600 or connexontario.ca for information about mental health, addictions, and gambling services in Ontario.
• Navigation specialists available 24/7 with translation services available  

• Indigenous Hope for Wellness Help Line 1-855-242-3310
• Black Youth Helpline 1-833-294-8650
• Transgender Crisis Line 1-877-330-6366

Here are some local agencies and supports available for students.

• Durham Community Resources
• Clarington Mental Health Resources
• Northumberland Mental Health Resources
• Peterborough Mental Health Resources
• Peterborough Resource Guide
• Student Mental Health Crisis Numbers