World Mental Health Day
Every October 10th, World Mental Health Day, a global initiative led by the World Health Organization (WHO), gives us a chance to pause, check in with one another, and talk openly about mental health. It’s an opportunity to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and highlight the importance of accessible mental health care.
This year’s theme, “Lived experiences heard: real voices, real change,” encourages us to listen to those with lived experience of mental health challenges and recognize the value of their voices. For our students, families, schools, and community members, creating change can start with something as simple as making space for honest conversations and listening with care. By learning from lived experiences, we can better understand people's needs and build more supportive, inclusive environments.
This World Mental Health Day, supporting mental health can look like:
- Taking time to check in with a classmate, student, colleague, or friend and listening without judgment.
- Creating opportunities to share our thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a safe and supportive environment.
- Talking openly about mental health and reminding one another that it’s okay to reach out for support.
- Staying connected and building caring relationships at school, at home, and throughout our community.
In qathet School District, we know that mental health and well-being are important every day. In addition to a wide range of online resources, our school counsellors, staff, and community partners, including the Integrated Child and Youth Team (ICY), work together to support students and families throughout the year.
Resources
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Government of BC: HelpStartsHere
Mental Health & Substance Use Resources for Students, Adults, and School Staff
How to Talk About Mental Health With Children and Youth
First Nations Health Authority - With Open Arms: Supportive Conversations Among Friends
Kids Help Phone:
Get 24/7, immediate counselling, support, information and referrals. Youth can call 1 800 668-6868 or text TALK to 686868.
Y Mind: YMCA mental wellness programs
Free online programs for young people aged 13 to 30. The YMCA of British Columbia’s Y Mind program helps young people cope with stress, worry and anxiety.
Here2Talk
Confidential, free counselling and referral services by app, phone or online chat for all registered post-secondary students. Here2Talk is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
310Mental Health Support
Call 310-6789 for emotional support, information and resources specific to mental health
1-800-SUICIDE
Call 1-800-784-2433 if you are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including thoughts of suicide
KUU-US Crisis Response Service
Call 1-800-588-8717 for culturally aware crisis support for Indigenous peoples in B.C.