OSDUS Study In the last 12 months: 8% felt unsafe at school 12.5% worried about being harmed at school 32% did not discuss problems with mother 54% did not discuss problems with father 10% had low self-esteem 5% were at high risk for depression

OSDUS Study 28% elevated psychological stress 34% under stress 27% lost sleep due to worry 10% considered suicide 10% visited MH professional 2% medicated for depression

OSDUS Study 14% engaged in delinquent acts 16% damaged property 14% theft under $50 10% carried a weapon 5% gang fighting

OSDUS Study 16% fought at school 25% were bullied 32% bullied others 8% had a gambling problem

OSDUS Study Canadian Association for Mental Health: Only 1 out of every 5 Canadian youth needing mental health services actually receives the services they need.

Mental Health Study Teacher survey results: 72% wanted PD 81% thought PD is needed 72% agreed advocacy is needed 56% advocacy is part of teacher’s role 2% students had access to services 9% thought outside support was adequate

Teachers High level of contact with students with MH needs Inadequate support for students with MH Teachers not confident in the area Need professional development Believe stigma is a barrier Advocacy needed, part of their role Divided on least restrictive environment

Teachers Concerned about: –Administration of medication –Crisis management –Access to services outside urban settings –Transitions from MH facility to school –Impact on family and peers Overall, are comfortable with students with MH concerns

Interviews –MH Professionals Teachers need to know: Key indicators Issues of stigma Information on individual problems of student How to access services To promote healthy lifestyles People need to be in community

Conclusions Mental health community does not understand demands on teachers Teachers do not understand demands on mental health community More research needed in First Nations communities

Conclusions There is a need for professional development for teachers in the area of mental health concerns Nipissing University will be offering new courses on educating students with mental health concerns, B.Ed., Continuing Ed, and M.Ed. levels