May 1st, 2023

Since 1951, the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) has hosted Mental Health Week during the first week in May, making 2023 the 72nd year. Mental Health Week is a Canadian tradition, with communities, schools and workplaces rallying to celebrate, protect and promote mental health.

This week, the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) will celebrate Mental Health Week alongside CMHA and many organizations across Ontario. Mental health is such an important component of the overall well-being of staff and students. We continue to recognize and create environments that allow staff and students to have the necessary support and resources they need to thrive.

More than ever, we know that mental health affects everyone, and we recognize the importance of ensuring that we are providing resources that are linguistically and culturally responsive. We are also mindful that our approach to well-being is identity-affirming and inclusive of the most vulnerable students.

We encourage WRDSB students and families to review the resources and supports available through our website at www.wrdsb.ca/mentalhealth.

#MyStory

This year, the theme of Mental Health Week is #MyStory. Collectively and individually, we have multiple layers and stories that make us who we are. While each year, 1 in 5 Canadians will experience a mental illness or mental health concern, everyone has mental health.

To help break the stigma of talking about mental health, earlier this month WRDSB Director of Education jeewan chanicka shared snapshots from his story in a video message that was shared with the WRDSB community.

This week, we will be profiling a few staff and students, who will share their stories on how they support their own mental health.

How to participate

• Check out the CMHA’s resources for Mental Health Week:
  • Understanding mental health
  • Community mental health
  • Nature playbook
  • Why we need universal mental health care
• On social media, use hashtags like #MentalHealthWeek, #MyStory and #WRDSBwellness to participate in the theme this year or to highlight what you are doing to recognize Mental Health Week.
  • See the CMHA’s resource “Share your story safely”
• Take action to support the CMHA’s Act for Mental Health campaign.

Need immediate help?

Here 24/7 is your front door to the addictions, mental health, and crisis services provided by 11 agencies across Waterloo Wellington. They do the intake, assessment, referral, crisis, waitlist and appointment booking work for these important programs. In Crisis or Need Support? Call 1-844-HERE247 (1-844-437-3247) anytime.

Front Door works with parents/caregivers, children and youth (up to their 18th birthday) who are struggling with life’s challenges such as emotions, behaviours, relationships and mental health.

Kids Help Phone is Canada’s only 24/7 e-mental health service offering free, confidential support to kids, teens and young adults in English and French. Start a confidential conversation with a real person you can trust by calling 1-800-668-6868 or texting 686868.

If your matter is urgent, please call 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.

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