January, after the holidays, often feels long for many in Ottawa. Short days, icy sidewalks, and a post-holiday crash can leave many of us feeling tired, discouraged, or alone. It is also a month when mental health needs can feel heavier. In the midst of this season, our Spiritual Theme, ‘We Are Called to Build Bridges,’ invites us to focus on solidarity, standing with one another so that no one has to carry their load alone.
Through a mental health lens, solidarity is about connection, belonging, and fairness in our school communities. It asks us to notice whose voices are missing, whose stories are quiet, and how we can respond in ways that protect and strengthen well-being.
Why Solidarity Supports Mental Well-Being
Feeling heard and valued is one of the strongest protective factors for mental health. When people experience exclusion or isolation, it can increase stress and wear down resilience over time. Solidarity helps restore that sense of safety and belonging by reminding us that we are not alone.
Solidarity does not always mean big gestures. It often begins with small moments of paying attention. Who is sitting alone today? Who seems more withdrawn, more irritable, or more tired than usual? Who might be carrying a hidden worry they cannot easily put into words? When we pause long enough to truly see the person in front of us, we quietly support their mental wellness by recognizing their dignity and worth.
Listening for the Quieter Stories
Every school community has stories that are easy to miss. A newcomer student learning a new language. A family quietly facing job loss or financial strain. A staff member returning after a loss. A child navigating questions of identity, friendships, or where they fit.
From a wellness perspective, being seen and understood reduces the weight people carry. When we validate someone’s feelings, even if we cannot fix the situation, we help ease loneliness and shame.
This is what it means to build bridges of solidarity. We choose to move closer, gently and intentionally, especially when life feels cold and heavy for some.
To guide reflection this month, consider this question: Whose voice or story needs to be lifted in my classroom, my office, or my hallway, and how can I help?
Small Everyday Actions for Mental Health through Well-Being
Our mental health and wellness professionals remind us that meaningful support usually comes from small, consistent actions rather than dramatic solutions. This month, you might try:
- Notice and be attentive with care. Take a moment to observe changes in mood, energy, or engagement in students, colleagues, and yourself
- Listen before responding. When someone shares, let them finish without rushing to advise, problem-solve, or compare.
- Offer support gently. Try asking, “How can I support you right now?” or “What would feel helpful today?” rather than assuming what they need.
- Include others on purpose. Make a point of inviting someone into a conversation, group, or activity when you sense they are on the margins.
- Be patient. Healing, adjustment, and coping take time. People may need repeated reassurance that they are not a burden.
Ask Other Important Questions
Some signs that may be visible when someone is struggling are discouragement, frustration and fear. You can help a friend, family member, student or colleague by asking.
- “Are you Okay?”
- “Are you looking for advice right now?”
- “Do you just need someone to listen?”
- Tell someone, “It’s ok to feel what they are feeling, and I’m there for you.”
Compassion Makes a Difference
One of the simplest things you can do, no matter your role, is to support others and yourself through care and compassion. Acknowledging and validating each other’s feelings will go a long way to keeping the lines of communication open.
- 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.
- 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.
- Direct family and friends to community mental resources.
- Treat others and ourselves with kindness and respect.
- Listen to others but be attuned to your needs and recognize your limits.
You Matter Too
Remember – you need to be compassionate to yourself by recognizing your limits, taking care of yourself, and being preventative before things get too challenging. Personal, mental, and emotional health matter! It is essential to pause and recognize the strain and pressures around us.
- Try to be gentle and patient with yourself; finding ways to recharge intentionally and meaningfully will significantly impact how you parent.
- Be honest with your child/youth. Talk to them about your experiences and the healthy coping strategies you use to manage your stress.
- Teaching your children/youth to take care of their mental, emotional, physical and spiritual well-being boosts their self-confidence and resilience.
Standing Together Through the Winter Months
All health matters. Improving mental health and well-being is vital to overall physical health. Compassion promotes mental health and physical well-being, helps build meaningful relationships, and facilitates problem-solving together.
Solidarity reminds us that well-being is not a solo project. It grows when we look out for one another and when we remember that every person carries a story we do not fully know. It becomes real when we choose curiosity over assumptions and compassion over judgment.
By building bridges of solidarity and friendship between students, staff, and families, we help create schools where every person feels valued and matters. This is how we foster mental wellness in our classrooms and staff rooms. This is how we support one another to get through the winter, not only enduring it, but also slowly beginning to flourish again.
Community Resources
- Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or kidshelpphone.ca
- YSB Crisis Line: 613-260-2360 or chat.ysb.ca
- Distress Centre of Ottawa: 613-238-3311 or at dcottawa.on.ca
- Hope for Wellness Helpline: 1-855-242-3310 or hopeforwellness.ca
- 1Call1Click: Access to child and youth mental health supports at 1Call1Click.ca
- Counselling Connect: Free phone or video sessions for children, youth, and families at walincounselling.com
- Ottawa Public Health: Information on mental and family health at ottawapublichealth.ca
A Closing Reflection
As we move through January, may we find the courage to notice the quiet voices, the humility to listen deeply, and the compassion to act in small but consistent ways. May our schools be places where every individual knows they belong, every story has value, and every person is supported on their journey to wellness.
This month, consider starting each day with a simple intention: Today, I will lift up at least one voice I might otherwise miss.
