1. Module 8: Responding to Mental Health Needs Mental Health Literacy

2. Guiding Principles 1.A person with mental illness is someone whose need for treatment is no different than the need of someone with a physical illness 2.There are many different kinds of treatments for depression and other mental illnesses. These include: counseling, specific types of psychotherapy and medications

3. Guiding Principles 3.Choosing the right kind of treatment for a mental illness is an important first step in getting well 4.Treatment for a youth with mental illness should be a collaboration involving the person with the illness, their family, a health provider and the school

4. Sources of help The student’s family and friends – Who is in your life? At school: – coach – resource teacher – Vice-Principal – social worker/attendance counsellor – guidance counsellor – school psychologist

5. Sources of help (2) Community – Mental health counsellors – Physicians – Clergy – Coaches

6. On the Web… http://www.excellenceforchildandyouth.ca/ http://www.Mindyourmind.ca http://www.Mentalhealth4kids.ca http://www.Kidsmentalhealth.ca http://www.speakingofkidsmentalhealth.co m/educators_advocates http://www.speakingofkidsmentalhealth.co m/educators_advocates

7. What is helping? The student must want the help They must be active participants in the work The helper must be well-trained Counselling must offer privacy, comfort, and a good fit with a person’s life All of these things lead to: – empowerment