Mental Health
There may be times when you need or wish to access support for your own mental health needs. Below is a list of resources here to support you. The entire staff at Notre Dame is committed to helping each student feel safe, secure and accepted. If you ever need help, please do not hesitate to ask!
YOUR NOTRE DAME GUIDANCE TEAM
Guidance Office Phone Number: 416-397-6177
Our door is always open — come by guidance any time!
Child and Youth Worker: Ms. Eresto - sarah.eresto@tcdsb.org
For 30 years, Kids Help Phone has shown up for youth in distress by phone, chat and text.
Need help now?
Start a confidential conversation with a real person you can trust.
1-800-668-6868
No fee, no health card required. You just drop-in!
Additional Mental Health Resources for Students
A breakdown of the seven different segments of well-being, and how they connect to who you are and how you feel.
Websites
1. 988.ca: Canada-wide Suicide Crisis Helpline
Available 24/7 for anyone in crisis
Call or text 988
*If someone’s safety is at risk, call 911 or visit your local emergency room
2. Be Safe App
The Be Safe App helps you create a safety plan, find local resources for support, be prepared if you find yourself in a crisis.
3. http://teenmentalhealth.org/
Offers insight into student Mental Health under the “LEARN” tab, through interesting video clips, graphics etc.
4. https://kidshelpphone.ca/
Youth can talk to Kids Help Phone about anything. Professional counsellors provide anonymous, confidential and non-judgmental support. Support is available 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Also offers help via e-mail, text and phone support. 1-800-668-6868
FIND SUPPORT
Choose a location to search for physical or virtual support programs and services available to kids, teens and young adults across Canada.
5. RiseUp: Wellness Support for Black Youth
Black youth across Canada can access free wellness support 24/7 by texting RISE to 686868. Support from a professional counsellor via phone or Live Chat is also available.
6. LGBT YouthLine
Youth Line offers confidential and non-judgemental peer support through our telephone, text and chat services. Get in touch with a peer support volunteer from Sunday to Friday, 4:00PM to 9:30 PM.
7. https://foundrybc.ca/
Helpful web-based resource with tip sheets, videos, and quick quizzes to take to determine if you may need support.
8. https://mindyourmind.ca/
Learn more about mental health, including different types of diagnoses such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder. Also offers interactive tools to educate yourself, help you cope, de-stress, and get you thinking about your plan for being well.
9. https://www.ementalhealth.ca/
Provides anonymous, confidential and trustworthy information. Features include Mental Health Help (i.e. directory of mental health services and organizations), Info Sheets, Screening Tools, Events Calendar etc.
10. http://www.yourchoice.to/
A one-stop shop for sexual assault survivors to find resources and support services. Designed to empower survivors to make choices with respect to the process that is right for them.
11. https://jfcy.org/en/
Justice for Children and Youth
Free legal services for young people under 18 and homeless youth under 25 in Ontario.
12. https://www.anxietycanada.com/
A leader in developing resources and promoting understanding about anxiety and anxiety disorders.
13. https://smho-smso.ca/
School Mental Health Ontario, with information for parents and youth.
14. www.chinesefamilyso.com/
Chinese Family Services of Ontario, free counselling in English, Cantonese and Mandarin for students of East Asian background. Call for appointment.
15. https://jack.org/covid
COVID-19 Youth Mental Health Resource Hub. A hub of resources to help you take care of yourself and look out for the people you love during this challenging time.
16. https://www.strongmindsstrongkids.org/
Strong Minds Strong Kids, Psychology Canada promotes the mental well-being of children and youth in Canada. Dedicated to nurturing resilience in kids with the use of psychological science, they support youth to manage, learn, and grow from the many challenges in life.
17. Children's Mental Health Ontario
A network of child and youth mental health centres that has 4,000 professionals ready to help children, youth and families with free counselling and treatment. They provide care in person, on the phone and virtually.
18. Family Navigation Project - Youth Mental Health Service - Toronto - Sunnybrook Hospital
A free wrap around service for students and families. A case worker will connect the person to the right services for the youth or family. Runs out of Sunnybrook, but is also virtual as well and services the entire city.
19. https://needhelpnow.ca/app/en/
Helps teens stop the spread of sexual pictures or videos and provides support along the way.
Apps
The Always There App [Kids Help Phone] (FREE)
Provides a password protected space for you to log your feelings, flip through youth-submitted tips, inspirational quotes, and jokes aimed at helping you cope with stress.
Access tipsheets offline on a variety of emotional health topics and more. Can also connect you directly with a Kids Help Phone counsellor over the phone, or through Live Chat.
Mindshift CBT (FREE)
Helps youth and young adults manage anxiety, using step-by-step strategies based on psychological treatment. Mindfulness meditation and mood tracking.
Headspace (FREE download, in-app purchases)
Themed sessions on everything from stress and sleep to focus and anxiety.
Calm (7-day Free Trial)
Meditation, sleep stories, mindful movement, and music for focus, relaxation and sleep.
Videos
What is Mental Health
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNQBdIMM3mQ
“The Art of Stillness”, TedTalk, Pico Iyer
https://www.ted.com/talks/pico_iyer_the_art_of_stillness
“How to Make Stress Your Friend” - TedTalk, Kelly McGonigal
https://www.ted.com/talks/kelly_mcgonigal_how_to_make_stress_your_friend
“How to succeed? Get More Sleep” – TedTalk, Arianna Huffington
https://www.ted.com/talks/arianna_huffington_how_to_succeed_get_more_sleep
“Taking in the Good” - Rick Hanson
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPXOASa1shY