Mental Health

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:

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. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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