Strengthening Children s Mental Health. A Sneak Peak

Transcription

1 Strengthening Children s Mental Health A Sneak Peak

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3 We need to step up for people in our lives, Mrs. Obama wrote. We need to learn to identify the signs of mental-health issues. We need to have the courage to reach out and have tough conversations with our friends and family members and get help ourselves when we need it. And we need to recognize that our mental health is just as important as our physical health, and start treating it that way. 3

4 WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION 4

5 Agenda Introduction Understanding Mental Health Applying to Children s Programs Trainings Available Next Steps 5

6 What this session is not about Turning program supervisors and staff into mental health professionals Reviewing specific mental health conditions in detail 6

7 Learning approach There are different ways to participate; it s okay to observe or pass Please be respective of your fellow learners 7

8 What is metal health? Question 8

9 What is mental health? Mental health is defined as a state of wellbeing in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community. (WHO 2014) 9

10 What is mental health? A resource for daily life It involves: our ability to think, feel, act, and interact in ways that enable us to enjoy our life and cope with challenges that arise our ability to make realistic sense of and react meaningfully to the world around us our ability to make choices and decisions 10

11 Wellness Share your: What do you do for your own mental health? 11

12 Fast facts on children s mental health Canada s youth suicide rate is the third highest in the industrialized world Mental health conditions are the leading health issue affecting children after infancy More than 800,000 children between the ages of 4 to 17 experience a mental health condition, yet fewer than 25% receive specialized treatment In Canada, 75% of mental disorders develop by age 24; 50% by age 14. Girls report more emotional problems and lower levels of emotional wellbeing than boys. Boys report more negative behavioural problems and lower levels of pro-social behaviour than girls Environments that are supportive and in which there is good communication between children and adults contribute to positive mental health Children are more likely to report healthy choices about physical activity, food and risk behaviours when they have positive mental health 12

13 What is children s mental health? It is about: Healthy social and emotional development It is about children learning to: experience, regulate, and express emotions; form close interpersonal relationships; [and] explore the environment and learn. (Ontario Centre of Excellence for Child and Youth Mental Health) 13

14 Did you know 1 in 5 children are struggling from a mental health condition 14

15 Mental Health Condition Children sometimes experience distress or difficulty coping Children s mental health conditions can be a response to challenges, such as: Having a conflict with friend Going through a big change in ones family Having difficulties keeping up at school 15

16 Stress A part of everyday life Positive or Negative Stressor- things that cause stress 16

17 Let s Draw it 17

18 The 3 Most Important Determinants of Mental Health These determinants affect children s immediate environments and the kinds of experiences they have in those environments: Access to economic resources Freedom from discrimination and violence Social inclusion Social connectedness Social capital Civic engagement and participation 18

19 4 areas to promote children s mental health 19

20 Strategies for being A Caring Adult Know yourself Manage your own stress Understand children Focus on positive relationships Include all children Be positive and have fun Focus on strengths Nurture growth Check in with children who are having difficulties Ask for help 20

21 Strategies for creating a supportive environment Use policies and procedures to intentionally promote inclusion and discourage violence and discrimination Have clear boundaries and behavioural expectations Provide learning opportunities Be a positive role model Nurture a sense of belonging among children Observe the group s dynamic Intervene when needed Identify and eliminate barriers Make sure your team is healthy Be knowledgeable about mental health Dedicate staff to provide support 21

22 Strategies for connecting with key partners Get to know children s mental health agencies Build trust and rapport when times are good Invite parents/caregivers to share helpful information 22

23 Why a training on mental health for children s programs? Everyone including children experiences ups and downs Programs can support children by intentionally fostering positive mental health Early intervention helps prevent or reduce the impact of mental health conditions on a child s life Programs can support positive mental health and play a role in connecting children to extra help when needed 23

24 Connections to topics you may already know about Healthy child development Ages and stages Developmental assets Protective and risk factors Resilience Laws/legislation and your organization s policies and procedures for child protection Group dynamics Discipline/guidance/behaviour management 24

25 Resources People across Canada can search for the CMHA branch that is most accessible to them through this user-friendly web link: 25

26 Additional Readings Resiliency and Recreation: A report that substantiates the foundation on which HIGH FIVE is based, specifically that as the role of A Caring Adult and Friends increases, so does resiliency in children Healthy Minds in Active Bodies: A Resource of the Canadian Active After School Partnership: Provides information regarding the links between participation in quality, active after school programs and children and youth s mental health 26

27 Strengthening Children's Mental Health This one-day in-person training, developed in collaboration with Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario, will help anyone running children s programs be more informed and prepared to support their staff in promoting positive mental health in children. Participants will learn key concepts and factors that affect children s mental health including the impact of stress and environment on a child s ability to cope. This training will provide tools and suggested activities to use with staff to help improve their understanding and interactions with children who face challenges in their programs. Learner Outcomes At the completion of this training, learners will be able to identify key concepts related to children s mental health, as well as strategies to help staff promote positive mental health and respond appropriately to children with challenges and/or mental health conditions. 27

28 Healthy Minds For Healthy Children HIGH FIVE Healthy Minds for Healthy Children builds on Parks and Recreation Ontario's existing expertise in healthy child development with an online training and downloadable resource to help those working with children positively influence their mental health. Developed with expertise from Dr. Stanley Kutcher and Dr. Wayne Hammond, this training offers engagement strategies for nurturing resiliency in children and provides insights into common mental health distress or disorders that children could be experiencing. Learning Outcomes Use engagement strategies with children who may be suffering from mental health conditions Use a Strength Based Decision Making Model to engage children Communicate with children and parents about sensitive topics 28

29 Key take home messages Mental health is part of healthy child development Mental health conditions are the leading health issue affecting children after infancy Most children express mental health conditions through emotions and behaviours rather than words. 29

30 Key take home messages Your programs have the potential to support positive mental health among children and connect children to extra help when needed 3 key roles for your programs are: Foster positive mental health among children Respond to mental health issues Facilitate children s access to additional support when they need it 30

31 Key take home messages 31

32 Thank you For further information, contact: Register for the full Strengthening Children s Mental Health and Strength-based Approach to Children s Mental Health HIGH FIVE National info@highfive.org 32