As we enter the back-to-school season, we understand that some parents and families may be experiencing stress or anxiety. CAMH has compiled resources informed by clinical and research expertise about youth mental health to help families navigate this transition.
As we enter the back-to-school season, we understand that some parents, youth and families may be experiencing stress or anxiety, or have questions about mental wellbeing. CAMH has compiled resources informed by clinical, research and lived expertise about youth mental health to help families navigate this transition. The below resources were created by Game Changers – a CAMH program sponsored by Hudson's Bay designed to promote discussions around mental health among children and youth. They have co-developed by youth, for youth. We hope these will be helpful in starting discussions at home about mental health and can provide support for your families and children.
- Things you should know about mental health
- Talk about it
- Conversation Starter
- Self-care Information
- Six ways to practise self-care
The following Game Changers resources about substance use may be helpful as young people leave home for the first time and may be taking part in post-secondary orientation weeks:
- Things you should know about alcohol
- Six ways to use alcohol more safely
- Buzz on booze
- Things you should know about cannabis
- Quick tips about safer ways to use cannabis
- Conversations matter: a resource to support adults having conversations with youth about substance use
The Rivers to Success Resources were developed by a team of experts, including young people and a Knowledge Keeper, with support from Indspire, the Margaret and Wallace McCain Centre for Child, Youth & Family Mental Health at CAMH and Sunnybrook Research Institute:
- Building your medicine bundle: Understanding your mental health journey
- Preparing for your journey: Navigating stigma and creating a supportive community
- Journeying along the river: Reaching out for support
If you or a loved one are concerned about your child’s mental health, please see a family doctor. You or your child can also reach out to one of the helplines or other resources below:
- Kids Help Phone – crisis support helpline for young people. Call 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868
- Talk Suicide Canada – help for anyone who is thinking about suicide or worried about someone they know. Call 1-833-456-4566 any time or text 45656 between 4 p.m. and midnight Eastern Time
- Trans Lifeline – helpline run by and for trans people. Call 1- 877-330-6366
- Black Youth Helpline – for Black youth. Call 1-833-294-8650 between 9 a.m. and 10 p.m. Eastern time or visit https://blackyouth.ca
- STRIDES Toronto – counselling and other support services for young people in Toronto. Visit https://stridestoronto.ca/
- Youthlink – counselling and other support services for young people aged 12 - 24 in Toronto. Visit https://youthlink.ca/
- Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario – hubs across Ontario providing services for youth and young adults. Visit https://youthhubs.ca/
- Youthspace – visit https://youthspace.ca for support via chat between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m. Eastern Time or text 1-778-783-0177 between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m. Eastern Time
Youth Wellness Quest explores the kinds of mental health and substance use services that may be available in your community