Promoting Mental Health at School

Lakeland Public Health’s School Health team understands that students' mental well-being is just as crucial as their academic success. As educators, you play a vital role in supporting the mental health of school-aged children and youth. This page is designed to provide you with valuable information, resources, and strategies to help you create a nurturing and supportive environment that fosters mental wellness in your students. 

  • Recognizing Signs of Distress: Familiarize yourself with common signs of distress and mental health challenges in children and youth. Early identification and intervention are key to providing effective support. 
  • Stigma Reduction: Promote open conversations about mental health in the classroom to reduce the stigma associated with seeking help and encourage students to express their emotions freely. 

  • Emotional Regulation Techniques: Teach students practical techniques to manage their emotions effectively. This includes deep breathing exercises, mindfulness practices, and recognizing triggers. 
  • Promoting a Positive Classroom Culture: Foster a positive and inclusive classroom culture where students feel valued, supported, and respected, leading to improved mental well-being. 
  • Building Connections: Encourage healthy social interactions among students. Building positive relationships can significantly impact a child's mental health. 

  • Screening and Assessment Tools: Learn about mental health screening and assessment tools that can help identify students who may benefit from additional support. 
  • Collaborating with School Support Staff: Work closely with school counselors, social workers, and psychologists to address the unique needs of students and develop personalized support plans. 

  • Importance of Educator Self-Care: Recognize the significance of taking care of your mental health to better support your students. Incorporate self-care practices into your daily routine. 
  • Managing Stress and Burnout: Explore stress management techniques and strategies to prevent burnout in the demanding field of education. 

  • Communicating with Parents/Caregivers: Foster open communication with parents/caregivers to create a united support system for the child's mental health. 
  • Parent Education Workshops: Organize workshops that provide parents and caregivers with valuable information and strategies to support their children's mental well-being. 

Resources and Supports

For more information about what's available in your local area and provincially, please visit our general Mental Health Supports webpage.

School Mental Health Ontario (SMHO) is a place to find evidence-informed information and resources relevant to your role. 

School Mental Health Ontario (SMHO) is a place to find evidence-informed information and resources relevant to your role. 

There are resources in our community where you can get help. For a full listing of local and provincial resources, please visit our general Mental Health Supports webpage. For additional general information on mental health, visit our Mental Health webpage.

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