We have carefully vetted the following resources and advocate for the use of them, whether it be through phone lines, support groups, or online material. We hope that when you need it, the information is there and able to help. All resources are either British Columbia based, or can be accessed from here
Since Covid 19 has made in person sessions impossible, we have created new digital resources that students can access from anywhere.
Virtual town halls allow our youth speakers to share resources, stories and experiences on a range of mental health topics. Using a digital format we showcase different perspectives through collaboration with other non profits.
Mental Health: A Youth Response To What We Are Facing In British ColumbiaThis event is presented by Coastal Research, Education, and Advocacy Network and Bridge The Gap Mental Health Association. During this event, our speakers will be sharing their personal and professional experience about gaps in youth mental health services in BC. This event is an opportunity to engage in critical conversations about mental health and hear directly from BIPOC youth. We also hope to empower caregivers (i.e., parents, teachers, therapists, social workers, psychologists) by giving you pertinent insights, skills and tools necessary to help youth thrive.
Posted by Coastal Research, Education, and Advocacy Network on Thursday, May 20, 2021
Here are some original ebooks that talk about the stigma surrounding mental health in creative ways, through short stories and poetry.
There are helplines and online counselling offered in the Lower Mainland. They are free, and offer immediate help to youth struggling with mental health, depression or suicidal thoughts.
There are in person and virtual resources that offer a supportive environment for youth to deal with issues they are facing. Programs range from dealing with anxiety, eating disorders, psychosis or depression. Support groups can be peer lead and focused, or offered through councillors.
My Anxiety Plan teaches you anxiety management skills, through worksheets and information to better understand what anxiety is and how to cope with it. You can sign up for the free program online.
Bounce Back helps you build skills to manage depression, stress or anxiety. You can work one on one with a coach, or online at your own pace, using mental health sessions and booklets to foster coping skills. All you need to do is register online to participate.
The CMHA offers Living Life to the Fullest, a course that teaches stress management, self confidence, problem solving and so much more. Virtual courses are offered for free in British Columbia, where you can work with a facilitator for eight weeks to grow these skills.
The Foundry offers in person peer support virtually and at their centres, as well as group programming online. The programs range from mindfulness, coping skills, and LGBTQ+ information. Peer support offers an empathetic environment to discuss lived experiences. You can sign up for these free sessions online.
For those struggling with a mood disorder, the MDABC offers peer led groups to share your story and struggles. Lead by trained facilitators it is a place to get further information, and offer support to others. Check out their website for times and locations for the group.
The YMCA offers six to eight week mental health programs, to foster coping skills and strategies to deal with anxiety and stress. The courses are lead by mental health professionals and youth with lived experiences. Sign up online or over the phone, if you are between the ages of 13-30.
The Ministry of Children and Family Development’s Child and Youth Mental Health (CYMH) teams are a great first step into looking for long term treatment. It is a free program that offers mental health assessments and put together treatments options and plans for families. The clinics host psychologists, psychiatrists, and clinicians to support children and youth and find community programs that work for them.
There are some free apps that help with your journey with mental health. From mindfulness tips, to anxiety management it can be a useful aid alongside other options.