200+ people.  Engaging, intelligent and caring speakers.  Canada Hall.  24 January 2012 @ 7 p.m.  Very important messages about our children and mental health:

• 1 in 5 people are impacted by mental health issues at some point in their life
• Only a minority get help
• 70% of mental health issues have their onset in adolescence
• The sooner people receive help the better the prognosis
• Mental health issues are surrounded by silence, shame and secrecy thus leading to reluctance to speak out and seek help
• The stigma can be as bad as the illness itself
• Issue is tricky with kids/adolescents as symptoms continually change in kids as they are always changing.  Talk to your children about what is happening with them.
• Dealing with mental health issues is very challenging for parents and educators – but that is nothing compared to what the child/adolescent is going through
• Seek the help of professionals to assist your family
• Anxiety triggers avoidance behaviour – school, homework, tests, socializing – they avoid things that make them anxious – this can be misinterpreted by parents and teachers
• Children and adolescents with mental health issues are vulnerable to other things – bullying, social ‘drama’, substance use/abuse, suicide

Thank you to our speakers David, Taylor, Shannon and Sarah.  You are making a difference in the lives of others especially our children.  Let’s help them by speaking openly about mental health issues.  Be informed.  Share what you know.  Now.  With your friends, family and community.  Let the dialogue continue…

Derek Logan
Head of School

Please see Mental Health and Our Children for a recap of the evening and a list of resources.