There is a growing mental health crisis among young people in Canada, and they urgently need our support. A recent report by Mental Health Research Canada, A Generation at Risk: The State of Youth Mental Health in Canada, sheds light on the troubling reality many youth today are facing. According to the report, 24% of Canadian youth say they have experienced suicidal thoughts, but more than half of youth who need support are not receiving it.
These statistics underscore the growing demand for accessible support and resources. At Stigma-Free Mental Health, we are on a mission to help address this issue through providing no-cost mental health education to students, school staff, and caregivers. Here’s how you can join us in making a difference.
Bringing Mental Health Education to Schools
How can schools address youth mental health in a way that aligns with current recommendations? Experts emphasize the importance of taking a preventative approach, engaging in more non-stigmatizing conversations about mental health, and delivering educational resources to communities. Our Stigma-Free School Program was created with these goals in mind. This initiative provides school staff with resources to deliver anti-stigma and mental health education. Our resources are ready for staff to download and can be implemented in classrooms right away.
What Is the Stigma-Free School Program?
The Stigma-Free School Program support students, educators, and caregivers by providing accessible, no-cost mental health resources and training. The program’s core components include:
- The Student Mental Health Toolkit: A comprehensive resource offering Lesson Plans and practical tools to help students care for their mental health.
- Virtual Stigma-Free Presentations: Live, interactive sessions that foster understanding and reduce stigma through sharing lived experiences.
- Stigma-Free Clubs: Safe spaces where students can connect, share their thoughts, and promote mental health awareness within their school communities.
In addition, we offer Stigma-Free Professional Development Day Sessions for educators. These resources empower school staff to create supportive environments and integrate mental health education.
By introducing mental health literacy into schools, we can reduce stigma and help students develop the skills they need to manage their mental health throughout their lives. Our Virtual Stigma-Free Presentations create opportunities for open discussion about mental health, while our resources for educators and caregivers provide tools to continue the dialogue at home.
Why Mental Health Education in Schools Matters
Schools are not only places of academic learning; they are environments where young people develop the skills and habits that will shape their futures. When mental health education is provided in schools, it equips students with the knowledge to recognize early signs of mental health challenges and seek help when needed. Programs like ours also encourage empathy and understanding, creating a culture of acceptance that benefits everyone in the school community.
A Call to Action
The youth mental health crisis in Canada is a collective challenge that requires a collective effort. Educators, caregivers, and community members all have a role to play in supporting young people’s mental health.
At the Stigma-Free Mental Health Society, we are here to help. Our Stigma-Free School Program offers accessible resources to foster mental health literacy and empower students to take charge of their well-being. Visit our Stigma-Free School Program page to learn more about our resources, and feel free to contact us. Our team is available to support you in introducing our program at your school and creating a brighter future for Canada’s youth!
References
Mental Health Research Canada (2024). A generation at risk: the state of youth mental health in Canada.
Author: Monique Zizzo
