We understand that this is a challenging time for everyone and we care about the range of emotions and levels of stress people may be experiencing in this uncertain and unprecedented time. We realize that the uncertainty about the COVID-19 virus, significant changes to daily routines and structures, changes to social interactions with peers, educators and other important people in our students and families lives, can result in accumulated stress and questions. We believe that looking after our physical and mental health is essential to our well-being. When we are well, we are in a better position to support others at this time.
This list of online resources provides factual information and tips to support student, staff and parent/guardian mental health and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mental health and the COVID-19 pandemic
The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) have a detailed FAQs page
How to manage anxiety during the COVID-19 outbreak
A Q&A with Clinical Psychologist Dr. Brooke P. Halpern, Psy.D., J.D
COVID-19 and Mental Health @ Work
For employees experiencing worry, anxiety or stress during this outbreak, the Government of Canada’s Centre of Expertise on Mental Health in the Workplace has created this resource
Talking to your anxious child about COVID-19
An informative article from Children’s Mental Health Ontario (CMHO)
How to talk to kids and teens about the coronavirus
Erin Walsh, M.A. and David Walsh, Ph.D. explain this in a detailed Psychology Today article
How to support student mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Tips and resources from School Mental Health Ontario (SMHO)
Kids Help Phone
Kids Help Phone offers 24/7, confidential nation-wide support service. You can call them at 1-800-668-6868, text or online chat
Helping children cope with changes resulting from COVID-19
Information from the National Association of School Psychologists
Community mental health services available to all SCDSB students and families
Urgent services
Simcoe County Mental Health Crisis Line
1-888-893-8333
Community Crisis Response Service (for South Simcoe)
1-855-310-COPE (2673)
Kids Help Phone
1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868
Telecare Distress Line for Simcoe County
705-726-7922
Non-urgent services
New Path Youth and Family Services
705-725-7656 or 1-866-566-7656 or info@newpath.ca to initiate service. A counsellor will call back to book an appointment by telephone.
Ontario 2-1-1
In case of an emergency: If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health or substance use emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to the emergency room of your local hospital.