Be Well

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Jan 24, 2024

| Updated: Mar 27, 2025 at 3:26 pm

Compassion and Kindness Makes a Difference – #OCSBCompassion

mother and child talking

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#OCSBCompassion is more than a trendy hashtag. It’s a commitment to discussing kindness and empathy and their impact on our well-being.

Let’s Talk About It

Let’s discuss how to promote compassion and well-being to cultivate meaningful connections at home, school, and the community on January 24 every day.

You are Not Alone

Life can be challenging at times, and we all face different kinds of difficulties like anger, addiction, anxiety, and loneliness. However, it’s important to remember that you’re not in this alone. Resources are available.

Don’t Wait To Reach Out for Help

The key to finding healthy coping strategies is recognizing and accessing support early. You may benefit from talking to a friend, family member, or professional, which is a great way to start if you’re struggling. Remember, you’re not alone!

Families and Schools Working Together

The Ottawa Catholic School Board is a warm and welcoming community providing in-person and virtual assistance to children. They offer various classroom and professional services and prioritize mental health and well-being. If you are concerned about your child’s mental health, you can seek help from your child’s teacher or Principal. You can also seek help through community resources available throughout Ottawa.

Empowering Youth Voice

When youth talk openly about mental health concerns, it reduces the stigma and encourages open and honest conversations at school and home. Youth-led discussions can lead to positive changes and empower children to be change-makers in the school and the greater community. Listening to your child makes a huge difference and encourages on-going conversations.

Everyone Can Make a Difference through Compassion

Compassion is empathy in action! You can show compassion by being present and attentive to another person’s needs. Acknowledging and validating each other’s feelings will go a long way to keeping the lines of communication open.

Ask Questions

Asking questions is the first step toward better communication. School Mental Health Ontario created an information sheet to help guide you in these crucial conversations and how to foster collaboration with care in a leadership role.

  • Listen to and validate the concerns and feelings expressed by your child/youth and check in with them regularly.
  • Ensure your children/youth know you are there for them.  
  • Find constructive ways for your children/youth to “reset” into a more relaxed and happy state at home and away from home. 
  • Being together through play helps everyone cope better.

Kindness and Compassion through Action

  • Try to recognize when someone is struggling and offer support before it becomes overwhelming. 
  • Community mental resources are available.
  • Treat others and yourself with kindness and respect. 
  • You Matter. Try finding ways to recharge intentionally and meaningfully. Doing so will significantly impact how you parent.
  • Be honest with your child. Talk to them about your experiences and the healthy coping strategies you use to manage your stress.
  • Teaching your children/youth to care for their mental, emotional, physical and spiritual well-being boosts their self-confidence and resilience at home or in the classroom.

Additional Community Resources and Supports

For services and support available to help, please get in touch with the following community resources for more direct support.

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