Learning, Teaching, and Living the Mental Health Spectrum Mark Henick | February 18, 2016

The Challenges Performance issue or mental health issue? Most people do not seek help Often takes years to identify correct diagnosis, receive appropriate help Stigma compounds symptoms Mark Henick | February 18, 2016

Why is this so hard? Lack of broad-based, high-quality awareness Undermines sensitivity toward opportunities for diversion Lack of training to respond effectively Compromises ability to intervene early, meaningfully Lack of collaborative efforts that build psychological safety Embeds stigma and discrimination, maintains barriers Mark Henick | February 18, 2016

The Reality 1 in 5 will experience a mental health problem each year 70% of young adults report that symptoms started in childhood Suicide is the leading cause of non-accidental death among youth Traditional service systems are inaccessible to many Mark Henick | February 18, 2016

Health A state of physical, mental, and social well-being Ability to adapt in the face of challenges Not merely the absence of disease or infirmity Integral to a person’s whole developmental experience Socially supported state of personal satisfaction Mark Henick | February 18, 2016

Mental Health A state of well-being in which an individual can Realize their abilities Cope with the normal stresses of life Work productively and fruitfully The capacity to feel, think, act in ways that enhance our ability to enjoy life Respects culture, equity, social justice, and personal dignity Mark Henick | February 18, 2016

The Mental Health Spectrum CrisisDown-Balance+UpCrisis Mark Henick | February 18, 2016

Problems & Illnesses Changes in thinking, mood, or behaviour Triggered or aggravated by something Unhelpful coping pattern Sustained over a period of time, characterized by “stuckness” May be associated with Significant distress Impaired functioning Other health problems Mark Henick | February 18, 2016

Problems & Illnesses DEPRESSION What changes ↓ Mood / Self esteem ↓ Patience ↓ Energy ↓ Productivity ↓ Concentration ↕ Weight ↕ Sleep ANXIETY What changes ↑ Worry ↑ Restlessness ↑ Irritability ↑ Tension ↓ Concentration ↓ Sleep ↓ Energy Mark Henick | February 18, 2016

A Mentally Healthy Curriculum Mental health touches all components of development Promoting and maintaining mental health Building an understanding of mental illness Reducing stigma and stereotypes Well-being is influenced by Risk factors and problems Protective factors that contribute to healthy growth and development Mental Health is mentioned 93 times, Suicide 18 times in Ontario curriculum Mark Henick | February 18, 2016

Risk and Protection RISK FACTORS Family history Past experience School environment Stress Trauma Illness PROTECTIVE FACTORS Awareness of mental health, stress Adequate formal and informal supports Connectedness to others High and reinforced self-worth Learned coping and grounding skills Opportunities for help Predictability and stable routine Mark Henick | February 18, 2016

Skill 1: Intentional Noticing Paying attention on purpose Starts a day-to-day baseline Significant change in behaviour, performance, etc. Considers context, builds empathy Starting the conversation I’ve noticed… I’m wondering… I want to learn more Mark Henick | February 18, 2016

Skill 2: Active Listening Validates the experience Builds safety, understanding, clarity Sets the stage for prosocial and help seeking behaviours Encourages perspective taking Explores issues in greater depth Expands with open ended and inquiring Models non-judgmental problem solving Permits positive social risk-taking Mark Henick | February 18, 2016

Skill 3: Working Together How can we help each other? Goal setting Wellness planning Positive reinforcement Monitoring, checking in Recovery is likely and expected Opportunity for reflective practice, personal development Mark Henick | February 18, 2016

The Benefits Higher educational satisfaction Improved community attachment, outcomes Improves attendance and productivity More effective interventions Enhances group learning behaviours Improves preventative knowledge of triggers, strengths, and solutions Mark Henick | February 18, 2016

Resources Hincks-Dellcrest: The ABCs of Mental Health Teen Mental Health Here to Help Children's Mental Health Ontario: Resources for Teachers Mark Henick | February 18, 2016

Resources Mark Henick | February 18, 2016

Thank you! Mark Henick | February 18, 2016