If you are experiencing difficulties or are in crisis, please see the list of agencies and websites listed below.
If you are experiencing difficulties or are in crisis, please see the list of agencies and websites listed below.
Western Ottawa Community Resource Centre: wocrc.ca
Youth Services Bureau Crisis Line (available 24/7) 613-260-2360 or chat.ysb.ca to chat online
Kids Help Phone (available 24/7) 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868
Ottawa Distress Centre (available 24/7) 613-238-3311 or Ottawa Crisis Line:613-722-6914
Children's Aid Society: www.casott.on.ca
Crisis line for 2SLBGTQ+ youth: www.youthline.ca
Parents' Lifelines of Eastern Ontario: www.pleo.on.ca
1 Call 1 Click: www.kidscomefirst.ca
Check In With Yourself
How am I feeling?
Am I tired? Hungry? Dehydrated? etc.
Am I angry? Overwhelmed? Confused? etc.
What is bothering me? Conflict? Schoolwork? etc.
Is this a big day or a little day?
Is this a temporary setback or a big obstacle?
Can I work to fix or improve this obstacle?
Is this obstacle out of my hands?
Do I need help from a caring adult?
Name your feelings.
Name your problem or obstacle.
Explore perspectives.
Set manageable goals.
Remind yourself: "I am a whole human being who needs creative stimulation, physical activity, good quality sleep and nutrition, connection with others, and quiet time for myself. I won't get the balance right every day, and that's okay. I need to honor each and every part of myself. I owe it to myself and to those who care about me to treat myself with love and kindness."
Start with small steps: Are there small tasks you can do to start tackling a to-do list?
Plan your time: Having a plan and scheduling work and fun breaks can help you better manage stress.
Try new strategies: Maybe you'll explore new ways of sharing your stress with others, try new hobbies or activities to find joy
Five-minute rule: Can you take care of this problem or obstacle in 5 minute or 5-minute burst? If feeling overwhelmed, try breaking the task down into steps.
You are NOT alone.
A special thanks to the guidance counselors, social workers, leaders in mental health, and other caring adults who shared with us their insights and thoughts to create this webpage.
"Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid... the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
Joshua 1:9