Children and youth mental health

Person standing on pavement with rainbow light shining over running shoes

Understanding what mental health is, can help you talk to your child about their mental well-being. Think of mental health as a range with one end being good mental health and the other end being poor mental health. We all move across this range at various times in our lives and we can all experience poor mental health at times in our life. Just like physical health, it is important we take care of our mental health.

Your child’s mental health can be affected by genetics, what is currently happening in their life, past experiences, and access to resources and supports.

How to support the mental well-being of your child or youth

There are things you can do as a parent to support your child’s mental well-being.

Sleep
Physical activity
Outdoors – Being outdoors, in nature can help reduce stress and relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Screen time
Healthy eating
Relationships
Managing stress. Some stress is normal, but too much can make it difficult for children to concentrate, learn and get along with others. Too much stress can interfere with a child’s ability to manage everyday tasks and can lead to physical and emotional health problems.

Tips for parents and caregivers to help children deal with stress

Listen, respond and connect with your child or youth. Supportive relationships are an important stress reliever for children. Spend time with your child, listen to them and show them love and affection. Canadian Paediatric Society offers specific tips on talking to your teen.
Develop routines. Daily routines help children feel their world is predictable and safe. Morning routines get the day off to a good start and bedtime routines help children relax and fall asleep.
Move more. Activities like going for a walk, playing catch or dancing to music release brain chemicals that help children feel less tense and anxious.
Get outdoors. Getting outdoors will help you and your child recharge and de-stress.
Practice calming strategies together. Teaching your child simple relaxation exercises can help calm a difficult moment.
Role model calm. Staying calm will teach your child how to respond to stressful situations. Visit Wellness Together Canada and our improving your mental health page for tips and strategies to help manage your own stress and mental health.

Psychology Canada provides a variety of resources on tips and strategies on stress for kids and for teens.

Identifying concerns

All children and youth are different. If you are concerned about your child’s mental health, consider whether there are changes in the way they think, feel or act. Mental health problems can present as physical problems like increased headaches or stomach aches, decreased energy, problems sleeping or changes in appetite. Visit School Mental Health Ontario for a list of signs that may indicate a mental health concern for your child or youth.

Getting help

Sometimes help from a trained person is needed.

Most Ontario schools have mental health professionals on staff who provide supports to students. If your child is already connected to their school support team, reach out to them. If not, check with the school principal to learn about school supports that are available.

School Mental Health Ontario provides information on supports available in Ontario schools and tips on how to work with your school to support your child’s mental health.

Reach out to your doctor or health care provider.

Maltby Centre offers free access to evidence-based resources including counseling, therapy and intensive services to children and youth from ages 0 to 18 and their families or caregivers. Check out their calendar of events for virtual and in-person workshops offering tips and strategies to parents and caregivers who are seeking help.

Kids Help Phone offers support to kids, teens, and parents or caregivers. Phone and virtual mental health services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.