With the new school year underway in rural communities across Canada, it’s the perfect time for educators and families to check in on students’ mental health – especially since youth in these areas may face unique challenges compared to those in urban settings. Let’s pull back the curtain on some of the key issues for rural youth, and how school staff and parents/guardians can support them using Stigma-Free Mental Health Society’s no-cost programs.

Why Do Rural Youth Face Greater Mental Health Challenges?

Growing up in a close-knit rural community can offer a strong sense of belonging. But for many young people, it also comes with barriers that directly impact mental wellness.

First, mental health care is often limited or hard to access in rural areas. This is an issue for both adults and youth, but for elementary or high school students, it could mean fewer school-based supports or resources and sometimes feeling unsure of where to turn in the first place. Without accessible help nearby, many young people in rural communities reach the point of crisis before seeking support.

Youth – especially boys and teens – may also feel pressure to be “strong” or appear tough and independent, even when they are struggling. In small communities where “everyone knows everyone,” the fear of being judged can make it harder to open up. Paradoxically, loneliness is also a common issue as youth in rural areas may feel isolated from their peers or not feel safe being themselves. This can be even more difficult for LGBTQ2S+ young people or others who might feel like they aren’t accepted or understood. Without outlets for connection, stress can build quietly.

The good news is, as a school staff member or parent/guardian, there are ways you can take action to address these challenges at your school and ensure students feel supported.

The Stigma-Free School Program: Resources for Staff

The Stigma-Free School Program is for educators, school counsellors, parents/guardians, or any adult looking to educate youth about mental health. All elements are available virtually and at no cost, including:

• The Student Mental Health Toolkit, which contains lesson plans and activities that are ideal for rural educators interested in teaching youth about mental well-being.
• Stigma-Free Presentations, a program where trained presenters share their personal stories and give an age-appropriate talk on stigma and mental health.
• Stigma-Free Professional Development Day Sessions for school staff – particularly useful in rural areas, where teachers may not otherwise have access to training or materials for youth mental health education.
• Stigma-Free Clubs are a school-based opportunity to foster open conversations about mental health and encourage students to lead the change. These spaces facilitate peer support where students can raise awareness, discuss their shared experiences, and break stigma.

Browse the No-Cost Stigma-Free School Program

Our Rural Mental Wellness Toolkit is another collection of online resources available at no cost, and it has a section dedicated to Supporting Rural Youth. These classroom-friendly resources include curated videos, activities, and comics for rural school staff and parents/guardians to educate youth about mental health.

How School Staff and Parents/Guardians Can Take Action This Fall

Providing mental health education to rural students doesn’t have to be complicated! Here are a few simple steps you can take right now to get started, all at no cost:

Educators and School Staff: Try integrating mental wellness into your classes, touching on topics like healthy coping skills and stress management. Introduce the Student Mental Health Toolkit in your class or book a Stigma-Free Presentation for your school. You can also collaborate with parents to address early signs of potential mental health challenges in students.

Parents, Guardians, and Caregivers: Share resources from the Rural Mental Wellness Toolkit or Student Mental Health Toolkit with other parents and your child’s school staff. If you are aware that your child is facing mental health challenges, it can be helpful to discuss this with their school or teacher to ensure they are informed as well, and decide how they can be best supported. Check out our Resources for Parents, Guardians, and Caregivers for further information on supporting your child.

Remember that it’s okay not to have all the answers. What matters most is listening and opening up these important conversations, creating a comfortable space where your children or students can reach out for help if they need it.

In rural communities, youth deserve all the support we can give. Our team strives to offer community-based tools that meet your students or children where they are at. This school year, whether you’re having conversations about mental health at the front of a classroom or at the kitchen table, we hope our resources help you create an uplifting, Stigma-Free environment for youth.

References:

Canadian Institutes of Health Research (2022, November 9). Reframing masculinity: Connecting men to mental health supports that work. 

Canadian Mental Health Association. Mental health resources in schools. (n.d.).

Morales, D. A., Barksdale, C. L., & Beckel-Mitchener, A. C. (2020). A call to action to address rural mental health disparities. Journal of Clinical and Translational Science, 4(5), 463–467.

Author: Monique Zizzo