Blog
Expert Tips on Back to School Anxiety
For many families, the new school year is exciting. Parents are relieved at the prospect of a quieter house, kids are looking forward to more time with friends and some students may even be excited about their new classes. But for many kids, going back to school can create anxiety over peer relationships, a new school, different teachers and more. For many kids this is a mild anxiety that can be...
Join Us for Children’s Mental Health Week!
Recognizing Children's Mental Health Week Is More Important Than Ever Children’s Mental Health Week May 3 to May 9 Annually, Mental Health Week is acknowledged during the first week of May with an emphasis on children’s mental health. Local child and youth mental health agencies and Children’s Mental Health Ontario, which represents nearly 100 children and youth mental health centres across...
Kids With Mental Illness Going to Hospital Is on the Rise
In the coming weeks leading up to the release of the 2020 provincial budget by the Government of Ontario, Children's Mental Health Ontario's members, which provide the majority of publicly-provided child and youth mental health care in the province, and youth and family mental health advocates will be attending public meetings with Ontario government leaders and MPPs to urge them to increase...
Seven Tips for Supporting a Child or Teen With Anxiety
Written By Dr. Marjory Phillips As we transition from the relaxing days of summer into the busy fall schedule and back-to-school season, it is an important time to support children and youth who may be feeling uneasy or apprehensive. Anxiety is the most common childhood mental illness, with 62% of Ontario youth reporting having had concerns over their level of anxiety and ¼ of Ontario parents...
Our Youth Are Demanding (And Deserve) Mental Health Care
Written by Caralyn Quan, Program Manager, The New Mentality Kim Moran, CEO, Children’s Mental Health Ontario Please Note: If you, your child or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, please call 9-1-1 or head to your nearest emergency department. If you would like to find a child and youth community mental health centre near you, please click here There have been some difficult...
Unicef Report Card: Canadian Youth at Risk
In the coming weeks leading up to the release of the 2020 provincial budget by the Government of Ontario, Children's Mental Health Ontario's members, which provide the majority of publicly-provided child and youth mental health care in the province, and youth and family mental health advocates will be attending public meetings with Ontario government leaders and MPPs to urge them to increase...
Youth Call on Ontario Government to Put Kids Mental Health First
In the coming weeks leading up to the release of the 2020 provincial budget by the Government of Ontario, Children's Mental Health Ontario's members, which provide the majority of publicly-provided child and youth mental health care in the province, and youth and family mental health advocates will be attending public meetings with Ontario government leaders and MPPs to urge them to increase...
One Family’s Story
Michele and Lloyd Sparling, Oakville When Michele and Lloyd Sparlings’ son was in Grade 2, he started to show signs of anxiety; he was often worried or afraid and went from being a “social little guy” to a boy who seemed to always be on the outside of the circle at school and with friends. The Sparlings knew for certain that something was afoot when their son came home from school one day with...
Early Intervention Saves Lives: World Suicide Prevention Day
Annually on World Suicide Prevention Day, Children’s Mental Health Ontario works with our partners and Ontario families to raise awareness about suicide prevention, to reduce stigma around mental illness and to advocate for improved mental health care for children and youth. This year, CMHO is again raising its voice to call for a transformational change in Ontario. “Early intervention...
Help at Home Coping With Anxiety
Written By Dr. Marjory Phillips As the kids head back to school, some parents may notice anxiety persisting in their children even after the school year begins. Here are some tips to help parents to support children at school and home to lessen their anxiety: Encourage them to have some control or choice in back-to-school planning and settling in. Kids can get and organize school supplies and...