COLLINS: We could take a lesson from Ontario on mental health

May 5, 2023 | 5:30 AM

THIS WEEK, the Province of Ontario introduced a proactive plan to implement teaching of mental health in the classroom.

Much of the planning around mental health to date has dealt with reaction, not proactive action. Through a variety of agencies, we observe situations and then try to deal with them. There are a number of resources we can access to try to find help.

From what I’ve been able to determine, the Ontario plan will be introduced early, and followed up in later years to reinforce the strategies taught earlier. The thought seems to be to get students to see problems within themselves so they can get help quickly.

Many people suffer from mental health issues for years but are embarrassed to come forward and seek help. By the time they have fallen to the point where their distress becomes obvious, they have already gone too far, and the road to better health is much darker to travel.

I don’t know specifically what will be taught in the Ontario curriculum, but at first glance, it seems a step in the right direction. To admit you might have a problem is the first step toward healing and to get help early offers the best chance at success.

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I think B.C. Is trying to create a successful program — but it’s hard to tell.

I read B.C.’s Mental Health in Schools Strategy this week. My thought: don’t read it. It’s a waste of time. Lots of rhetoric and little substance. Talk about your flowery prose. There’s lots of talk about creating safe and caring learning environments but no action plan to get there. Lots of talk about open discussion in the classroom, but do you really think a student with problems is going to open up in front of friends, and risk the bullying that could easily follow?

B.C. has some good resources to deal with problems, but it’s largely reactive. Maybe Ontario’s plan will provide new opportunities for young people to learn when they might be in difficulty and seek help earlier. It makes sense to me.

Changes need to be made. Perhaps this will turn into a good first step.

I’m Doug Collins and that’s One Man’s Opinion.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or Pattison Media.

by Doug Collins

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COLLINS: We could take a lesson from Ontario on mental health

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