Mental illnesses are health problems that affect the way we think about ourselves, relate to others, and interact with the world around us. They impact thoughts, feelings, and behaviours in ways that are disruptive to a person’s life. Unfortunately, there are still attitudes toward mental illness that fuel stigma and discrimination, which can make it harder to reach out for help.

This webpage is a curated list of resources and universal strategies that support well-being for students, families, and educators.

For more information on the resources below, please visit ETFO Secure – Mental Health Resources

Student Mental Health

The following are resources to support student mental health:

Special Education Needs in the Regular Classroom: Supporting Students with Behaviour Needs

This ETFO resource provides evidence-based pedagogy for building a trauma-informed practice in the classroom alongside social-emotional learning and a tiered response to mental health for students.

School Mental Health Ontario

School Mental Health Ontario helps enhance student mental health through the use of evidence-informed strategies and services. Find resources for educators, students, families, administrators, system leaders, and school mental health professionals on their website.

Kids Help Phone

Kids Help Phone is Canada’s only 24/7 phone and online mental health service offering free, multilingual and confidential mental health and crisis support to young people. Visit their website for resources and materials for schools and families.

Youth Wellness Hubs

Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario (YWHO) is designed to address the service gaps in youth mental health and substance use sectors in Ontario. YWHO supports local service providers in helping Ontario youth aged 12 to 25 access a full range of integrated services, including mental health and substance use supports, primary care, education, employment, housing, and other social services.

Information for Families

Unplugged Canada

Unplugged Canada empowers families to take a collective stand by declining the use of smartphones by youth until at least age 14.

Educator Mental Health

If you are struggling with mental health, please contact your primary health provider and/or Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

In any given year, one in five Canadians will experience a mental health or addiction problem. By age 40, almost 50 per cent of Canadians will have or have had a mental illness.

PRS Matters

PRS Matters bulletins provide information with the goal of preventing situations that could threaten an individual member’s career or the status of our profession. The following bulletins relate to member mental health:

Starling Minds

Starling Minds provides an online mental wellness program to ETFO members and their families free of charge.

You’re Not Alone: Mental Health in Pregnancy and Postpartum

Almost one in five people struggle with their mental health in pregnancy and/or postpartum. This ETFO resource provides members with important information of how members can support their mental health during this time.