Pandemic context
During the covid-19 pandemic, by prioritizing the safety, physical health and basic needs of the entire population, several important areas of young people’s lives were put on ice or simply sacrificed in the name of public health. In this context, it is natural to show concern for the well-being of young people and their access to quality information to take care of their mental health.
While the stress and anxiety experienced by young people were already a concern before the virus, it may have acted as a catalyst for some young people whose situation was already precarious or for others whose confinement or home living conditions were not ideal.
Mental health of young people is not only important to us, it is essential to the well-being of society as a whole!
Who is it for and what are the objectives?
This program is aimed at secondary school students, mainly in the 12-15 year old range. It is intended for all young people, without any particular needs or behavioural manifestations.
The goal is to provide various tools to youth workers, teachers and parents so that they can better support young people in:
- Learning how to deal with and normalize mental health as well as their emotions (worries, anxiety, uncertainty…);
- Building on or developing mental health management strategies, particularly their resilience and social skills;
- Demystifying the demand for help.
Overview of Adapt – educational activity guide (5 booklets)
1. What is mental health?
This module allows you to familiarize yourself with the concept of mental health while separating it from mental illness. The activities invite for discussion on the subject and also allow students to get to know themselves better. They become aware of the power they have over their mental health and identify concrete ways to promote their own well-being.
2. Stress management
While stress is normal and even necessary, all pervasive stress can have a negative impact on mental health. By better understanding its causes and manifestations and identifying ways to release tension, students will be able to gain control over stress.
3. Self-esteem
As a key component of good mental health, self-esteem is often mistaken for arrogance or egocentricity. However, knowing one’s strengths and making a realistic assessment of one’s abilities is definitely healthy! This module will help students recognize the importance of self-esteem, while allowing them to identify their skills and ways to strengthen them.
4. Recognizing and expressing emotions
During adolescence, emotions can sometimes put us through the wringer. Before trying to control our feelings, it is important to first understand them better and listen to the message they convey. Students will therefore learn to explore their emotional universe and manage their emotions in a caring manner.
5. Controlling your internal dialogue
What kind of impact can the words we repeat to ourselves, often unconsciously, have? This module, which takes up elements from the previous themes, allows students to make the connection between their thoughts, emotions and behaviours. They also discover how to regain control over their perceptions and adopt a comprehensive approach with themselves.
Also available in French
