There is an ongoing mental health crisis among youth in Canada and the COVID-19 pandemic has had devastating effects on the well-being of children and teens. Incorporating mental health education into school curricula is a crucial step in addressing this crisis. However, for school staff who want to educate students on mental health, it can be difficult to know where to begin. That’s where Stigma-Free Mental Health’s no-cost resources come in. In this post, we are shedding light on the importance of mental health education for children and teens and sharing resources for school staff to provide this knowledge to students.
Just as physical education teaches students how to care for their bodies, mental health education helps them care for their minds and build positive coping mechanisms and healthy habits. By incorporating mental health education into schools, we are:
Normalizing conversations around mental health and reducing stigma.
Encouraging students to reach out for support when they need it.
- Equipping students with essential mental health tools that will benefit them for the rest of their lives.
- Teaching students to have compassion and empathy for themselves and others.
- Supporting educators in facilitating an inclusive classroom environment.
No-Cost, User-Friendly Resources for Educators
At the Stigma-Free Mental Health Society, we strive to provide accessible resources and make mental health education simple for school staff. Our comprehensive Stigma-Free School Program offers a range of resources designed to support both students and educators.
The Student Mental Health Toolkit
Our Student Mental Health Toolkit offers a wealth of Lesson Plans, documentary videos, classroom activities, and downloadable
“I have been using the Stigma Free Society Mental Health Toolkit for the past year and it has been a huge asset in my role as a school guidance counsellor. The lesson plans in the toolkit are easy to follow, student friendly and contain such important information/skills that support our students’ needs and understanding of their own mental health.”
– Educator, Winnipeg School Division
Join over 28,000+ people who are already using the Student Mental Health Toolkit to deliver mental health education to students. Register now for no-cost and enjoy unlimited access to our library of resources.
Virtual Stigma-Free Presentations
Our presentations…
- Include powerful, thought-provoking stories that leave a lasting impression on students.
- Give students actionable tools to reduce stigma and promote mental health in their community.
- Keep youth engaged with unique and compelling speakers.
- Offer students a sense of hope and remind them that they are not alone in their struggles.
“I think sharing of personal stories was really impactful because it demonstrated how it is OK to talk about these things. It reduces stigma around the mental health topic.”
-Educator, Grade 11
Book a Virtual Stigma-Free Presentation now to jumpstart your school’s mental health educational journey.
Professional Development Opportunity for Educators
Book a virtual Stigma-Free Professional Development Day Session and learn how you can put our Stigma-Free mental health resources into practice in your classroom! In each session we will navigate you through our Student Mental Health Toolkit, giving you a comprehensive review of our lesson plans and resources. Our Toolkit covers a variety of topics, from learning how to cope with large-scale trauma to helping a friend struggling with mental health issues. Our resources come in many different formats, ensuring there is something for all types of student learners. Lastly, you will have an opportunity to ask questions about our Toolkit and experience an inspiring Virtual Stigma-Free Presentation from two of our volunteer presenters.
Contact us to book a Professional Development Day Session for your school.
Join the Movement
Join us in a mission to empower students and educators with the tools they need to care for their mental health. Access our Student Mental Health Toolkit, schedule a Virtual Stigma-Free Presentation, and/or book a Professional Development Day Session today. This school year, let’s work together to create a stigma-free future for our students.
References
Vaillancourt, T., Szatmari, P., Georgiades, K., & Krygsman, A. (2021). The impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of Canadian children and youth. FACETS, 6, 1628–1648.
Author: Monique Zizzo
