School is back. It looks different in many ways, but, in many other ways it is exactly the same. There are announcements and “O Canada” and land recognition, just like there were last year. What is not the same when I am speaking with students is that I am hearing some statements I do not …
It is a lovely feeling to walk into a building that has been empty for months but is beginning to be repopulated for its usual function. In my case, this is a school, since I am now working in a school program housed within a local high school. As I walk through the hall to …
We form our impressions through the people we meet. The first black people I met were teachers. Mr. Perryman was a social sciences (history and geography) teacher at the little English school in the town where I grew up. He taught his classes lecture -style, telling stories of historical figures and ancient lands. He referred …
The numbers of youth and young adults with COVID-19 is now increasing. News reports are using such terminology as “COVID fatigue” and most public health officials are ominously warning about a second wave of the pandemic. Many older adults are wondering, “Why do young people not understand the need for isolation?” At times when I …
I am by nature an anxious person. Bad news sets me off and I am always imagining worst case scenarios. I can overthink any situation and make catastrophes seem reasonable. However, after years of suffering from anxiety, I have found a way to manage it. I am an expert at self talk. I know what …
If you work in youth mental health, you are aware of many articles being written about how much COVID-19 has affected children’s and youth’s mental health. The evidence is that the pandemic has left children and youth feeling depressed and anxious and exhausted – even before the school year has started. The education and health …
In Canada, we are worried about our children returning to school safely in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. We are worried about keeping everyone safe. I know I am. I have so many questions. Will we be able to convince youth to wear masks? Are we doing enough? Are we forgetting anything? How will …
Let’s think about your mental health today. To do this, I am going to remind you about mindfulness. This is the right time to remind everyone – especially parents and youth heading back to school – that we all need to take the time to look after ourselves. I do not go out much, but …
Earlier this week, I wrote about the fear parents have about sending their children to school. Since that was published, people have been asking me: “What do I do? What do I do to support my child’s mental health?” My answer to this question is to remember three things that can promote your child’s mental …
Imagine last summer, at the end of August. Do you recall checking through your children’s backpacks and clothing? You wanted to be sure they had gym shoes, a serviceable lunch bag. You needed to be certain their windbreaker still fit. Perhaps like thousands of other parents, you tried to get a jump on back-to-school supply …
