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.
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
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 – run by and 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
For more information about mental health and COVID-19, visit the CAMH COVID-19 Hub. You can also download our free resource, Coping during COVID-19: A resource for youth