Checking in

Helpful information from School Mental Health Ontario:

"Moments when you are not feeling your best are normal. Our feelings and emotions change all the time, it’s expected (you’re human). At times these changes can affect what we think about ourselves or how we act towards other people. However, it is important to identify when you are having more than just a bad day. Below is a list of questions you can think about to determine whether you are experiencing a difficult moment or day, or if you could use further support from a mental health professional.

Questions to reflect on:  

• Have things changed in my daily routine, like having trouble sleeping, eating or going to school or work?

• Is how I’m thinking, feeling, or acting different for me? A change from how I used to be?  

• Are my thoughts, emotions or actions affecting my everyday life negatively? For example, am I letting my schoolwork slip or missing classes? Am I reducing the time spent with my friends and family? 

• Have I been feeling this way for some time, like more than a couple of weeks?  

• Am I dealing with my problems in unhealthy ways?  

• Am I carrying too much by myself?  

If you answer yes to some of these questions, it’s probably time to connect with a supportive and caring person who can help. Reaching out can prevent problems from getting worse.

Still not sure?

You can speak to a caring and supportive adult that you trust, like a teacher, parent/caregiver, relative, principal, coach, faith leader, Elder, or your family doctor. Kids Help Phone and One Stop Talk are additional resources you can use to speak with a trained counsellor to see if getting more help is a good idea."

School Mental Health Ontario