The Greater Essex County District School Board (GECDSB) provides many resources for students looking for assistance with their mental health and well-being in and outside of school. For more information, contact your principal or vice-principal.
Community services, supports and resources
Contact any of the following professional community organizations and view more information for assistance in a wide range of mental health and well-being issues.
Frequently asked questions
View some commonly asked questions about students' mental health and well-being.
Where can I go if I am a safety risk to myself or others? |
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If you are at risk of self-harming or harming others, please go to the Emergency Room as instructed by the Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare's Regional Children's Centre. If you are in emotional distress and not currently a safety risk to yourself or others, please go to the Regional Children's Centre's Counselling Clinic or the Canadian Mental Health Association's Transitional Stability Centre. |
How do I know when it is an appropriate time to get help? |
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It is appropriate to get help for a mental health problem if you are having trouble functioning at school, experiencing moderate or severe distress, or finding it difficult to cope through life's challenges. Some warning signs can include
Learn more about how to take care of your mental health and knowing when to get help. |
How do I talk to my family about my mental health? What if they aren't supporting me? |
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It can be hard to share personal feelings with your family, parents or guardians. It can also be hard to share when you're not really sure what's going on yourself. You might worry about how they will react. It's natural to worry, but most parents and guardians are supportive and understanding. Even if you think they will not be willing to help, it is still worth a try. You might be surprised by how much they will listen and rally to your side, even if they have a lot going on in their own lives. Never feel like a burden to anyone. If you reach out to talk and your family can't help, talk to another adult, such as your teacher, counsellor, principal, coach or relative. Don't give up until you can find someone who can help you. Learn more about how to talk to your family about difficult topics, such as depression. |
How do I distinguish between panic and an anxiety attack? |
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An anxiety attack often comes as a reaction to a stressful event. During an anxiety attack, you may feel fearful, apprehensive, your heart racing and shortness of breath. Anxiety attacks are often short lived and when the distressing event goes away, so does the attack. A panic attack is unprovoked and its timing is unpredictable. During a panic attack, you may seize up with terror, fear or apprehension. It may feel like you are going to die, lose control or have a heart attack. Physical symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness and nausea. You may worry about getting another panic attack when you least expect it. Learn more about the differences. |
When should I seek help about unwanted thoughts? |
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It's important to remember that unwanted thoughts are just those: thoughts. Your unwanted thoughts are not part of you and they don't make up your actions or personality. Unwanted thoughts can be dangerous however. If they are causing you anguish, pain or interfering with your day-to-day life, it can be a sign that you may need to talk to a professional. Talk to your parents, guardians or another adult if this is the case. |
How can I tell the difference between depression and going through a hard time? |
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It's natural to feel sad, down or discouraged at times. They are reactions to the hassles and hurdles of life. We may feel sad over an argument with a friend, a breakup or a best friend moving out of town. We might be disappointed about doing poorly on a test or discouraged if our team is going through a losing streak. The death of someone close can also lead to heavy grief. Most of the time, we manage these emotions and with time and care, move past them. Depression occurs when strong moods involving sadness, discouragement, despair or hopelessness last for weeks and months at a time, or even longer. Depression affects your mood and thinking. It interferes with your ability to notice or enjoy the good things in life. Depression drains the energy, motivation and concentration that you have for normal activities. Learn more about the differences. |
How do I cope with depression? |
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If you think you might be depressed, talk to a parent, guardian or other adult about getting the right help. This can include:
Learn more about depression. |
What are some causes that lead to mental illness? |
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Many risk factors contribute to mental illness, such as biological factors, psychological factors and social factors. Biological factors include our genes and mental illness is more common when there is a history of it in the family. Psychological factors include how you tend to respond to stress. If you experience more negative emotions in response to stress, you are more susceptible to mental illness. Social factors include stresses in your environment, such as the loss of a parent or caregiver, divorce, bullying, poverty, difficulties at school, abuse or neglect. Learn more about mental health and mental illness causes. |
How can I stay calm during a test? |
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Test anxiety can be caused by pressure on yourself or from others, past experiences or fear of failure. Some tips that can help anxiety symptoms before a test include:
Learn more about test anxiety. |
My marks have dropped and there is conflict in my family. Who can I talk to? |
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Reach out to an adult at your school, such as your teacher, counsellor or principal. Any of these adults will listen, support and connect you with other professionals who can assist you with your challenges. |
How much sleep do I need? How can I ensure I am getting the right amount? |
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Most teens need about eight to 10 hours of sleep per night. View WellCast's How to Sleep Better video and more information on the importance of sleep from TeensHealth. |
Phone mental health support
If you need immediate help, view these phone supports that are here for you.
Kids Help Phone |
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Kids Help Phone allows you to chat with a trained, volunteer crisis responder for support any time, about anything. You can contact our 24-hour support line if you are any age up to 29. To contact Kids Help Phone, you can:
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Community Crisis Centre |
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Call the Community Crisis Centre at 519-973-4435 for 24-hour crisis line support if you are over age 16. |
Windsor-Essex Counselling Support Line |
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Call the Windsor-Essex Counselling Support Line at 519-946-3277 or 1-877-451-1055 for mild to moderate distress situations. This support line is open 24-hours and is open to those who are 18 or older. |
LGBT Youth Line |
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Contact the LGBT Youth Line for mental health support by:
Hours: 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sunday to Friday At Youth Line, all volunteers are trained peer supporters ages 16 to 29 with a diversity in 2SLGBTQ + identities and lived experiences. |
Hope for Wellness |
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Call Hope for Wellness at 1-855-242-3310 or connect to the online chat. The Hope for Wellness Help Line offers immediate help to all Indigenous peoples across Canada. It is available 24 hours daily to offer counselling and crisis intervention. |
Black Youth Helpline |
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Call Black Youth Helpline for mental health support by:
Hours: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily Black Youth Helpline serves all youth and specifically responds to the need for a Black youth specific service, positioned and resourced to promote access to professional, culturally appropriate support for youth, families and schools. |
Naseeha Mental Health Hotline |
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Contact Naseeha Mental Health Hotline at 1-866-627-3342 for 24-hour support. We answer calls seven days a week from around the world to support Muslim and non-Muslim youth. Naseeha Mental Health has been a great bridge for individuals who are going through life's challenges. Where hope is lost, Naseeha is found. We provide a safe zone for youths and individuals to talk and get the help they need. |