Back to school mental health tips 

As students of all ages and their parents prepare for back-to-school season, CMHA Niagara reminds people to keep mental health in mind. 

Whether students are returning to the same school, entering a new school year, or heading off to post-secondary, the transition can be exciting, but can cause stress and anxiety too. CMHA Niagara offers tips to support mental health for students, parents & teachers: 

• Establish a Routine: Set consistent wake-up and bedtimes to ensure adequate rest and a smooth transition back to school. 
   
• Take Care of Your Body: Ensure you get enough sleep, stay hydrated, and eat well to support both mental and physical health. 

• Build Resiliency: Develop coping skills for stress and problems. Identify supportive individuals and use structured problem-solving techniques. 
   
• Reach Out for Support: Social support is very important. Connect with friends, family, and community resources, such as CMHA Niagara for help. 

• Stay Active: Engage in regular physical activity to boost mood and overall well-being. 

CMHA Niagara offers free mental health and addiction supports to individuals (16 years and older) in Niagara. Services include same day counselling, Ontario Structured Psychotherapy, Real Work Specialized Employment Program, Safe Beds, Group Counselling, Case Management, Support Housing, Transitional Housing Support, Court Diversion, Mobile Crisis Rapid Response Team and Crisis Outreach & Support Team (COAST).

For more mental health tips for children, check out the Children’s Mental Health Ontario website. And for post-secondary students, the Centre for Innovation in Campus Mental Health (CICMH) has compiled an orientation package of campus mental health resources available across the province. Visit the CICMH website to view the full list. Additional mental health tips specifically for children can be found on the Children’s Mental Health Ontario.