Everyone has mental health. Mental health and mental illness aren’t the same things, though the terms are sometimes confused and used interchangeably. Mental health is a "state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her potential, 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." (World Health Organization).
Just like our physical health, our mental health changes. We all have times when we don’t feel mentally well. For example, we might feel overwhelmed with too much stress, or we may have times when we feel sad. These feelings, while typical and normal, can impact our ability to be our best self. There are ways that we can maintain good mental health even when things in our life are challenging.
In today’s Wellness Wednesday, we learn about mental health.
Try this:
As a class, group, or family:
Watch SMHO’s video, By Your Side: We all have mental health – a message to parents and caregivers https://youtu.be/qLBuciJFlrg
After the video, talk about what you learned. Here are some prompt: What is mental health? Did anything surprise you in the video? How is our mental health strengthened? How can our mental wellness be affected negatively?
Talk about ways to maintain good mental health. Here are some suggestions: connect with others, do an activity you enjoy, get enough sleep, eat balanced meals and snacks, get fresh air, exercise, etc. Check out the LDCSB Wellness Wednesdays for more ideas: www.ldcsb.ca/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=1076472&type=d&pREC_ID=1369353
Ask yourself, there is no wrong answer:
How do I talk about mental health?
How do I promote mental health in myself and in my school or community?
Connecting to our faith:
“God created humankind in his image.” (Genesis 1:27).
We are called to be good stewards of our bodies, minds and souls. When we make the decision to care for our health and well-being, we honour God and the gifts that He has given to us.
Further Learning:
WEBSITE: LDCSB Mental Health & Well-Being Resources www.ldcsb.ca/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=1076472&type=d&pREC_ID=1370029
EDUCATOR/STAFF RESOURCE: LDCSB Mental Health Resource Portal https://smileldcsbon.sharepoint.com/SitePages/Home5.aspx# ·
RESOURCE: “Things you should know about mental health” Game Changer resource www.camh.ca/-/media/files/gc-things-you-should-know-pdf.pdf
WEBSITE: SMHO About Student Mental Health in Ontario https://smho-smso.ca/about-student-mental-health-in-ontario/
VIDEO: CAMH Promoting Mental Health Finding a Shared Language https://youtu.be/KIswi_4yRaE