By: Matt Buie, FSWC Educator

A1.2 Apply skills that help them to recognize sources of stress and to cope with challenges, including help-seeking behaviours, as they participate in learning experiences in health and physical education, in order to support the development of personal resilience.

October 10 is World Mental Health Day. Research shows that students are struggling with mental health in today’s world. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in seven young people, between the ages of 10 and 19, have experienced a mental disorder in 2024. WHO also stated that four in ten high school students feel increasingly sad or hopeless, and one in three of teens expect to be more stressed in the following school year. Students with chronic stress are more likely to have mental and physical health issues later, are at a higher risk of abusing substances and are less likely to enroll in post-secondary education.

Maintaining proper mental health is often compared to daily physical exercise. There are many minor tasks one can complete every day to help alleviate daily stress. Many experts recommend keeping a journal, building a supportive network of people around you, finding a calming hobby and positive affirmations. Although these may not feel substantial, the result of each one will add up over time. Assisting students in building these habits now is vital in giving them tools for future stress.

For more information and resources, the School of Mental Health Ontario has a variety of free resources for students and teachers.

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