Welcome to the Mental Health section of Parenting in Ottawa.
Mental health is an important part of our health. Positive mental health is the core for a person's well-being. Good mental health allows a person to reach their potential and deal with normal stresses of life.
No matter our age, we all get stressed. Stress affects our mental health. Positive coping skills can help improve our mental health. Through positive coping skills a person can build resilience. Resilience allows a person to better handle the normal stresses of life and overcome challenging situations.
Do not feel ashamed of speaking to someone about mental health concerns and seeking help. It is important to seek help early. Young people often feel that a mental health issue is something to be ashamed of. Yet, 50% of mental health problems begin by age 14; 75% begin by age 24.
It is important to speak to your children and youth about mental health. Parents and caregivers play a big role in the positive development of a child's mental health. To learn more about how to talk about mental health, check out have THAT talk.
Learn more about mental health for you as a parent and for your child or youth:
Mental Health in Pregnancy and After Birth
Mental Health and Behaviour - Babies and Toddlers (birth to 3 years)
Mental Health - Children (4 to 11 years)
Mental Health - Youth (12 to 18 years)
If you are concerned about you or your child's mental health speak to your health care provider. For more resources available in Ottawa, please see the Mental Health and COVID-19 Resource List. For more support and information visit OttawaPublicHealth.ca/COVIDMentalHealth.
If you are in crisis, contact the Mental Health Crisis Line (24 hours a day/7 days a week) at 613-722-6914 or if outside Ottawa toll-free at 1-866-996-0991.
If you have a youth in crisis, contact the Youth Services 24/7 Crisis Line (24 hours a day/7 days a week) at 613-260-2360 of if outside Ottawa toll-free at 1-877-377-7775.
If you (or your child) are experiencing thoughts of suicide or harming yourself, call 9-1-1.
Do you have more questions about parenting?
- Connect with a registered nurse from Health811 for free, secure, and confidential health advice. Service is available 24/7 in English and French, with translation support also offered in other languages. Call 8-1-1 or visit Health811.ontario.ca.
- Connect with a Community Navigator from 2-1-1 for information about community programs and resources across Eastern Ontario. Helpline service is available 24/7 and in many different languages. Call 2-1-1 or visit 211ontario.ca.
- Connect with other parents on the Parenting in Ottawa Facebook page.
- There are a variety of services to make it easier for your child to grow up healthy in Ottawa.
- You can update your child's immunization record using either the Immunization Connect Ontario (ICON) Tool or the CANImmunize App.
- If you have received a message from Ottawa Public Health such as a letter or a call regarding immunization, an infectious disease, or infection control lapse, please call 613-580-6744 and listen to the menu options carefully.
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