High school students in Mississauga who are feeling weighed down by stress and anxiety can sign up for a small-group program this winter. The Peel District School Board is taking registrations for Youth Have Stress Too, which teaches teens how to recognize and manage stress.
The program is open to Peel public board students in Grades 9 to 12 at schools in Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon, the board says.
How the program works
Youth Have Stress Too runs for five weeks and takes place online. Sessions are led by PDSB social workers. The board says students will learn what triggers their stress and anxiety and pick up healthy ways to cope.
Groups are kept small, with 10 to 12 students in each.
Students sign themselves up
Registration works on a self-referral basis, and the board says sign-ups should come from students themselves. Parents, caregivers and school staff who know a student who might benefit are encouraged to share information about the program. If needed, an adult can complete the registration together with a student, but only if the student has agreed.
Spots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Once a group is full, students will be told about future sessions. Details and registration are available on the board's website at peelschools.org.
If you need help now
Youth Have Stress Too is a scheduled group program, not emergency support. Anyone in a mental health crisis should call 911 or the Peel Crisis Service at 905-278-9036. Students can also call Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868.
