What is bullying?

Bullying is when someone does or says something to hurt someone else. It is always on purpose. Bullies can work on their own or in packs. Either way, bullying is about making someone feel small and powerless. No one asks to be bullied, and no one deserves it.

  • Bullying can be stopped

  • Help is available

  • You are not alone

  • It’s not your fault

 

Dating

Love relationships can be challenging, confusing, and exciting. It’s important to remember that communication, trust, and respect are the most important parts of a healthy relationship.

  • What is dating?

  • Falling in love

  • Sexuality and dating

  • Coping with a breakup

  • Am I in an abusive relationship?

 

Emotional Health

1. Feeling angry
2. Feeling sad
3. Dealing with an illness
4. Loneliness and isolation
5. Grief and Loss
6. Eating disorders
7. Panic and anxiety
8. Depression
9. Self-injury
10. Suicide
11. Self-esteem
12. Gambling
13. Alcohol and drugs
14. Smoking

 

Family

Like most people, your family probably plays an important role in your life. How you relate to your family will be different all the time — mostly because you and your ideas are always changing. But no matter what stage you are in, your family can have a big impact on how you feel about yourself and about life in general.

 

Family structure

1. House rules,
2. Siblings and conflicts,
3. Separation,
4. divorce,
5. custody,
6. Youth in care,
7. Teen parenting

 

Violence and Abuse

If you are being abused or harassed, you may wonder if you have any options and who can help you. Or you may fear for your own safety or for someone else’s safety.

Violence or abuse is never okayNo one, whether they are a child or an adult, has the right to cause you physical or emotional pain, or behave in any way towards you that makes you feel uncomfortable. Getting the right kind of help can provide you with the support you need to help stop the abuse.

1. Abuse in the family
2. Prejudice
3. Dating violence
4. Sexual abuse
5. Sexual assault
6. Sexual harassment
7. Gangs

 

I am interested in a career in this field, but where should I begin?

Here’s a list of different types of mental health professionals:

  •     Addictions counsellor

  •     Behavioural Technician

  •     Child and Youth Worker

  •     Cognitive-Behavioral Therapist

  •     Family counsellor or Marriage counsellor

  •     Mental Health counsellor

  •     Mental Health Nurse

  •     Mental Health Worker/Psychiatric Technician

  •     Occupational Therapist

  •     Psychiatrist

  •     Psychologist/Psychometrist

  •     Social Worker

  •     Spiritual Care Provider

 

How many people are affected by mental illness?

Mental illness is increasingly recognized as a serious and growing problem. Studies indicate that in any given year, one in every five Canadian adults under age 65 will have a mental health problem1. Many more individuals such as family, friends and colleagues are also affected.

We can say for sure that at least one percent of a population is likely to have a serious and persistent mental illness at any given time. This is equal to about 300,000 Canadians at any given time.

The rates of mental illness vary from one illness to another. For example, it is estimated that

  •     schizophrenia affects about 1% of Canadians,

  •     mood disorders affect about 10%, and

  •     anxiety disorders affect about 12%.

 

How would I know if someone is feeling suicidal?

Most people who consider suicide are not determined to die. They are undecided about whether to live or die. Warning signs may be their way of asking for help or revealing the seriousness of their situation.

Signs to watch for:

  •     a previous suicide attempt

  •     general talk of death or suicide

  •     talking about a specific suicide plan, including the method, date, location

  •     making a plan (e.g. drawing up a will, talking about final wishes)

  •     signs of depression or other mental illness

  •     writing or drawing about suicide

  •     giving away valued possessions

  •     sudden change in behaviour (for better or worse)

  •     withdrawal from friends and activities

  •     increased use of alcohol or other drugs

  •     recent loss (such as death, loss of a job, or loss of a relationship)

  •     feelings of hopelessness or helplessness.

Remember, there is no ultimate list of warning signs. Any one of these signs by itself does not necessarily mean a person is suicidal, but the more of these signs that are present, the greater the risk of suicidal behaviour. On the other hand, a suicidal person may not display the signs on this list. It may be right to be concerned simply because someone’s behaviour is out of character. Sudden shifts in actions or attitude may alert friends to potential problems.

 

How you can help:

  • Ask directly if the person is thinking about suicide. Talking openly about suicide does not increase the risk. In fact, it can bring relief to someone who has been afraid to confide their suicidal thoughts.

  • Talk to the person in a non-judgmental way, and listen to them without becoming upset. Let the person know you care and want to help.

  • Believe what the person says, and take all threats seriously.

  • Look into community resources, such as crisis lines and counselling services that you can suggest to the person.

  • Never keep someone’s suicidal feelings a secret. Tell someone who can help.

  • Take action if you feel someone is at immediate risk. If necessary, make contact with the police, emergency services or a hospital to ensure the person’s safety.

 

What can I do about my friend who told me he/she was suicidal and made me promise not to tell anyone?

A young person who makes a promise to keep this type of secret is stuck in an awful position. They are afraid their friend is going to kill themselves, yet at the same time they have sworn to secrecy. This is a huge burden for a young person to carry. On one hand, they are afraid that their friend will die, or be seriously hurt. On the other hand, they worry that their friend will be angry with them if they tell anyone.

 

How adults can help:

A promise like this is just too much responsibility for a young person to handle. Adults need to help them see the reality of the situation. If they do not tell someone, they may end up with a dead friend. They need to ask themselves if they prefer to have a friend who is alive and angry, or one who is dead. Also, if the friend succeeds and commits suicide, the surviving friend will go through severe trauma.

Encourage the young person to let you contact a parent or other trusted adult. This person can then contact a trained mental health professional, who may be able to help their friend.