October 10 is World Mental Health Day, and marks more than 18 months since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. While in some ways, life has returned to a version of what we remember, there are other regular reminders that our lives, and our mental health, are still being impacted by the pandemic.

The World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH), which first started World Mental Health Day, announced this year’s theme to be “Mental Health in an Unequal World.”

The pandemic has only served to highlight the inequities that exist in our world, and in our lives. As individuals, each of us has dealt with the challenges to our mental health and well-being due to the pandemic. To acknowledge and address this, the WRDSB has worked to prioritize and support the mental health and well-being of all of our students and staff.

Prioritizing Mental Health in the WRDSB

With WRDSB students learning both in-person and remotely, we continue to prioritize and remain focused on supporting mental health and well-being for our staff, students and WRDSB community.

These are stressful times for WRDSB students and their families. In support of parents and caregivers, our Psychology Department staff are offering lunch and learn sessions for WRDSB parents, caregivers and family members throughout the school year.

The latest edition of Caring/Coping/Connecting focuses on coping in a challenging time. During the COVID 19 pandemic, many of us find ourselves feeling unbalanced with a sense of being overwhelmed and anxious. Yet, with the right strategies and supports in place, we can help restore a balance in our daily lives. In the Caring/Coping/Connecting Newsletter don’t miss the selection of helpful resources curated to help you during these difficult times.

Don’t miss our Caregivers’ Guides To Accessing Support For Students With Anxiety, available in both an elementary and secondary version.

Find a full selection of resources available to support student mental health on our website.

Learn more about World Mental Health Day 2021