Mental Health in Schools
Mental health affects many aspects of our lives. It influences how we think and feel about ourselves and others. It also affects our ability to cope with change and adapt to major life events.On any given day, 20% of students in a classroom will suffer from a mental health problem serious enough to warrant support and services. Of those, 70% will NOT receive any supports or services. These mental health issues can shape and impact academic outcomes, behaviours, as well as the school environment.
Information contained in Positive Futures-Optimizing Mental Health for Alberta’s Children & Youth: A Framework for Action (2006-2016) by Alberta Health and Wellness and Alberta Health Services indicates that:
Current understanding of mental health indicates that:
By wisely investing our resources in promotion, prevention and treatment, we can positively impact lost productivity and social costs. Highlights of the Positive Futures action plan.
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines mental health as:
“… a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.”
The Canadian Mental Health Association describes mental health as:
“… striking a balance in all aspects of your life: social, physical, spiritual, economic and mental. Reaching a balance is a learning process… Your personal balance will be unique, and your challenge will be to stay mentally healthy by keeping that balance.”
Additional Helpful Links:
Can We Talk (Alberta Teachers’ Association)
Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) and the Alberta Division of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) are partnering to promote the mental health of children and youth.·
Alberta Mental Health and Wellness Services
This webpage from Alberta Health Services connects you with a wide variety of programs and services for mental health and wellness.·
Canadian Mental Health Association (Alberta Division)
Part of a nation-wide, charitable organization that promotes the mental health of all people and supports the resilience and recovery of those experiencing mental illness.·
Grip On Life
An online and print magazine for teens written by teens about dealing with depression and mood swings, anxiety of life after high school, tons of reviews and much more.·
I Can’t Handle It
The Parent Information section of the High School Co,mpletion Strategic Framework web pages contains numerous links and useful information for parents, students and school personnel.
Mental Health Works
Mental Health Works is a nationally available program of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) that builds capacity within Canadian workplaces to effectively address the many issues related to mental health in the workplace.
Mental Health Help LineStaffed 24/7 by health professionals, the Mental Health Help Line provides: crisis intervention; information on Mental Health programs and services; and referral to other agencies where appropriate. This confidential, anonymous service is provided by Health Link Alberta and is available to all Albertans.
Mental Health Helpline
1 877 303 2642
Crisis/Distress Line:
Edmonton 780 482 4357 or 780 342 7777 (Mobile Response Team)
Calgary 403 266 1605
HEALTHLink Alberta:
1 866 408 5465
Mental Health Help Line
1 877 303 2642
Kids Help Phone
1 800 668 6868
Service partners
Health Link AlbertaService locations
Source: http://education.alberta.ca/teachers/safeschools/mental-health-in-schools.aspx
Information contained in Positive Futures-Optimizing Mental Health for Alberta’s Children & Youth: A Framework for Action (2006-2016) by Alberta Health and Wellness and Alberta Health Services indicates that:
- the Alberta government is committed to supporting the mental well-being of children, youth, and their families, and to providing effective services for those who are experiencing mental health problems.
- the vision of Positive Futures is that “Alberta’s children and youth will have optimal mental health”.
- the plan supports a coordinated and collaborative approach to optimizing the mental health and well-being of infants, children and youth up to 24 years of age, as well as their families.
- activities to support the strategic directions include health promotion, prevention, early identification, crisis intervention and stabilization, treatment interventions including both basic and specialized services, community supports, and collaboration supports.
Current understanding of mental health indicates that:
- Addiction, mental health problems (e.g., anxiety) and mental illness (e.g., schizophrenia), are caused by a complex interplay of genetic, biological, personality, environmental and social factors. Some of these social factors include low income, unemployment, poor educational attainment, low literacy skills, social stigma, and lack of social support.
- Although the health system is considered to have the primary role in addressing addiction and mental health, many of these factors can be influenced more by policies, programs and services that are responsibilities of other ministries and sectors.
- The onset of most mental health problems and mental illnesses occurs during adolescence and young adulthood; therefore, early identification and intervention is critical.
By wisely investing our resources in promotion, prevention and treatment, we can positively impact lost productivity and social costs. Highlights of the Positive Futures action plan.
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines mental health as:
“… a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.”
The Canadian Mental Health Association describes mental health as:
“… striking a balance in all aspects of your life: social, physical, spiritual, economic and mental. Reaching a balance is a learning process… Your personal balance will be unique, and your challenge will be to stay mentally healthy by keeping that balance.”
Additional Helpful Links:
Can We Talk (Alberta Teachers’ Association)
Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) and the Alberta Division of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) are partnering to promote the mental health of children and youth.·
Alberta Mental Health and Wellness Services
This webpage from Alberta Health Services connects you with a wide variety of programs and services for mental health and wellness.·
Canadian Mental Health Association (Alberta Division)
Part of a nation-wide, charitable organization that promotes the mental health of all people and supports the resilience and recovery of those experiencing mental illness.·
Grip On Life
An online and print magazine for teens written by teens about dealing with depression and mood swings, anxiety of life after high school, tons of reviews and much more.·
I Can’t Handle It
The Parent Information section of the High School Co,mpletion Strategic Framework web pages contains numerous links and useful information for parents, students and school personnel.
Mental Health Works
Mental Health Works is a nationally available program of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) that builds capacity within Canadian workplaces to effectively address the many issues related to mental health in the workplace.
Mental Health Help LineStaffed 24/7 by health professionals, the Mental Health Help Line provides: crisis intervention; information on Mental Health programs and services; and referral to other agencies where appropriate. This confidential, anonymous service is provided by Health Link Alberta and is available to all Albertans.
Mental Health Helpline
1 877 303 2642
Crisis/Distress Line:
Edmonton 780 482 4357 or 780 342 7777 (Mobile Response Team)
Calgary 403 266 1605
HEALTHLink Alberta:
1 866 408 5465
Mental Health Help Line
1 877 303 2642
Kids Help Phone
1 800 668 6868
Service partners
Health Link AlbertaService locations
Source: http://education.alberta.ca/teachers/safeschools/mental-health-in-schools.aspx