School psychologist weighs in on student mental health

But the province has yet to make that official.

Greg Godard, a psychologist with Prairie Rose Public Schools believes this has been pretty hard on students.

He says kids have been experiencing pandemic changes for more than a year now.

And not knowing when school will return in person is also frustrating for them.

He says that’s especially for students who are closer to graduation, as they feel like they’re losing social time with friends.

A lot of students are even finding themselves more anxious and kids also pick up on the stress their parents are feeling.

Godard says the inconsistency and unpredictability of all the changes are really hard for a lot of students.

They don’t know if and when they’ll go back to school, for how long, and what grades will return.

“There’s cumulative stress that’s building,” Godard explains. “Sometimes we don’t even know that we’re feeling stressed but we’ll be a bit more snippy with our parents or a little bit more frustrated with a school assignment, a little more tired. And I’m finding a lot of kids I work with are finding themselves more fatigued and a little bit more restless.”

Godard wants students of all ages to remember that this will eventually pass and we will come out the other side.

He encourages youth to find the little things that are within their control.

Whether that’s focusing on wellness habits, controlling what you eat, or school work and schedule.

“I want kids to know that if we can control the things that are within our control, it can help us feel a whole lot more agency and we can make our lives better. If we focus on the things that are outside of our control, like ‘When is school coming back?’ And we let those kinds of things dictate how we feel, then we’ll become increasingly helpless.”

For parents, Godard says it helps to give kids structure and routine while learning at home. He encourages setting up a designated workspace during school time.

If you need help, there are mental health and wellness supports available in our city.

“I think it’s important for everyone to remember that even if you don’t think you need help, but think it might be a good idea, it’s always good to reach out,” Godard said. “There are supports available in your community and schools. And if you’re feeling you need it (help) connect with your social support system.”

For the local CMHA website with mental health resources & programs visit this link.

Mental Health Help Line: 1-877-303-2642

Distress Centre Crisis Line: 1-800-784-2433

Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 (text line: 686868)

Canada Suicide Prevention Service: 1-833-456-4566 (text line: 45645)

AHS Addiction and Mental Health (Medicine Hat local): 403-529-3500

If you are in an emergency situation, call 911

by Chantal Wagner

School psychologist weighs in on student mental health

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