At GVC, one of our school goals this year is to create opportunities for staff and students to normalize conversations about mental health. During our monthly homeroom meetings, we roll out a new theme that focuses on mental health improvement strategies. Our themes are listed below. We encourage each student and family to follow our GVC Guidance Instagram account, @gvcguidance, and read our daily Communicator for tips and tools. Students, if you are looking for tools to improve your mental health, we encourage you to contact your guidance counsellor.
September – Change Can Be Hard
October – Physical Health Strategies
November – Online Safety
December – Gratitude & Kindness
January – Dealing with Academic Stress
February – Healthy Relationships
March – Positive Thinking
April – Goal Setting
May – Self-Care
June – Community & Online Resources
May 15, 2020
“Guide to Living with Worry & Anxiety Amidst Global Uncertainty”
April 16, 2020
Mental Health During the Pandemic
March 23, 2020
Mental Health During the Pandemic: Information for GVC Students
The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and the changes it is causing in our lives is stressful for many people. You may be worried about the disruption to school, your family’s health, financial issues, Coping with stress will make you, the people you care about, and our community stronger.
Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations. How you respond to the outbreak and social distancing measures can depend on your personal history, the things that make you different from other people, and your environment.
The Mental Health Commission of Canada/The Working Mind; is a document that includes a self-assessment, a self-care planning tool, and it is appropriate for adults and students.
Information adapted from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/managing-stress-anxiety.html
Common symptoms of stress include:
- Uncomfortable emotions including fear, worry, loneliness, irritability, etc.
- Increased negative thinking
- Changes in appetite or eating patterns
- Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
- Worsening of chronic health problems
- A desire to use alcohol or other drugs to cope
Things you can do to support yourself include:
- Limit your exposure to media, including social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting and increase anxiety.
- Take care of your body:
- Take deep breaths
- Stretch
- Go outside
- Exercise
- Rest and get plenty of sleep
- Eat well and eat regularly
- Drink plenty of water
- Avoid alcohol and other drugs
- Connect with others – Share your concerns and how you are feeling with a friend or family member. Keep connected in physical isolation by talking on the phone, Face Timing, texting, using Teams, etc.
- Make time to unwind and do things you enjoy. If your usual hobbies are not possible due to social distancing, use this opportunity to try something new. I.e. Sketching, journaling, jogging, baking, make videos, redecorate your room, etc.
- Create a personal daily schedule that includes a variety of healthy activities.
Resources
If you need more help, please consider reaching out to the following resources:
- Your GVC Guidance Counsellors! Please send us a message through Teams or email us:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (Grade 9)
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (Grades 10-12)
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (Grades 10-12)
- We can arrange to video conference through Teams if you prefer to talk face-to-face.
- You can call the school (325-8008), but since we may be working from home, we may not get back to you the same day.
- Teen Clinic at C.W. Wiebe Medical Clinic
- No appointment necessary. Call (204) 325-4312 or check the website for current hours: https://cwwiebemedical.ca/about/teen-clinic/
- Kids Help Phone (Call, text, or chat)
- Call 1-800-668-6868
- Text CONNECT to 686868
- https://kidshelpphone.ca/
There are many apps that support mental health. You may wish to check-out:
- MindShift CBT
- Breathe
- Calm
Please take care good of yourself during this time. Remember that it is normal to experience stress and anxiety during periods of change and uncertainty. Be gentle with yourself and reach out to others.
Students