Mental Health links and Supports
Mental Health Crisis Line: 1-888-429-8167
Mental Health Crisis or Emergency (IWK)
Mental Health and addictions services and support (IWK)
Kids Help Phone is a Canadian charitable organization that provides 24/7 free confidential professional online and telephone counselling and volunteer-led, text-based support in English and French to youth across Canada. Kids Help Phone also provides information on how to access community support services for youth.
1-800-668-6868
Text the word CONNECT to 686868 to text with someone
English/ Français
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)
Canadian resource site offering downloadable PDFs on “Talking to children about COVID-19 and its impact” and “Challenging worries and anxious thoughts”
English / Français
Also uses accessible tools including reading and translation support
Canadian Mental Health Association
Nova Scotia website for information related to Mental Health programs and services for children and youth (including for students with Autism)
English
The Mental Health and High School Curriculum Guide provides a complete set of evidence-based, online modular resources proven to increase the understanding of mental health and mental disorders, decrease the stigma of mental illness and enhance help-seeking efficacy among both students and teachers.
English
Based in Vancouver BC, offers free downloadable PDF resources for educators in supporting children and youth with anxiety. Section on Anxiety 101 and “Talking to Kids About COVID-19” ; broader site supports CBT for school counsellors in offering practical strategies for managing anxiety
English
CMHA facilitates access to the resources required to maintain and improve mental health and community integration, build resilience, and support recovery from mental illness.
Nova Scotia chapter provides local information and resources.
Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain
This series of webinars is designed to support you in your efforts to be responsive to students and families during this time of distance learning. Our driving inquiry question throughout each webinar will be: How do we move beyond the packet mentality to truly help students become independent learners while leveraging the funds of knowledge at home and in their immediate community. These are doable learning activities to help you offer real support to our most vulnerable students.
EVEN IF YOU CAN’T ATTEND LIVE, GO AHEAD AND REGISTER AND YOU’LL RECEIVE A LINK TO THE REPLAY
English
Healthy Emotional Regulation During Uncertain Times
Article: This looks at emotion regulation in two parts: goals and strategies. In practical language it provides simple to do daily practices that enhance wellness including: mindful breathing, shifting our thoughts, and self-care.
Marc Brackett, Ph.D., is the founding director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence.
English
Our social media pages is where we re-share and promote tips, links to free online MHA programs that we and others are launching, sharing of public- focused info from us, our partners and others in Canada (CAMH, Mental Health Commission, etc.)
English
Nelson Webinar Series: Surviving and Thriving at Home
Series of webinars (March 26, April 1, and April 8) facilitated by Dr. David Tranter co-author of The Third Path. In this 3-part series, Dr. Tranter offers advice in journeying through the unknown of the COVID-19 pandemic.
English
Nova Scotia Health Authority ICAN
Through the Nova Scotia Health Authority, ICAN is a 12 week program focusing on anxiety. This program is now open to Nova Scotian’s to self-refer and is delivered by Strongest Families, a NS based organization. The program combines telephone based coaching and self-directed work.
For students age 18 +
English / Français
Nova Scotia Health Authority ICAN
Through the Nova Scotia Health Authority, Mindwell U: is a free online challenge that takes just 5 minutes a day, and can be accessed anytime, anywhere and on any device. The Challenges teach basics in mindfulness to lower stress and increase resilience. The Challenge also teaches “mindfulness-in-action” so people don’t need to stop what they are doing to become calmer, present and more focused.
English / Français
Nova Scotia Mental Health Foundation
Where to Get Support in NS During Covid 19
The Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia is a registered charity committed to improving the lives of Nova Scotians affected by mental illness. Check the links for support with Covid 19.
Mental Health resources during CoVid19
English
Or
Nova Scotia Health Promotion Mental Health and Addictions-share and promote tips, links to free online MHA programs that they and others are launching, and public- focused info from MHA, their partners, and others in Canada (CAMH, Mental Health Commission, etc.) on their social media pages.
Accessible through FaceBook and Twitter
Talking to Children About COVID-19 (Coronavirus)-A Parent Resource (adapted with permission from Nova Scotia Health Authority). For more information related to schools and physical and mental health, visit www.nasponline.org and www.nasn.org.
Further Resources Accessible through Calendar
10 Ways Parents Can Bring Social Emotional Learning
Social emotional learning (SEL) strengthens us as individuals and as communities, especially during uncertain times. When we practice and build our skills in self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship building and decision making, we are better equipped to navigate stressors, anxieties, and challenges. Here are ten tips that families can follow.
English
50 Ways to Take a Break (image)
50 Ways to Take a Break (list)
Infographic link and written out ideas for breaks. *Some ideas have been edited as needed to adapt to current events.
English
9 Mental Health Activities To Do With Your Children
This is a one-page infographic that could be shared with families.
English
Use for Calendar #2
Action for Happiness is a movement of people committed to building a happier and more caring society. Their goal is to see a fundamentally different way of life - where people care less about what they can get just for themselves and more about the happiness of others. It offers several free resources (app, websites, books, and calendars) for well-being.
English
Use to support calendar entries for younger children; go-to tool for parents
Brigadoon Virtual Camps : For past and present camp attendees and any one else who wants to experience these virtual camps. Enjoy cooking, knitting, bingo, night reading and much more.
Closed captioned How-to videos of fun activities you can do at home. A calendar activity schedule is offered.