Information for parents: in-class workshop for teens
Partners for Life
Information for parents: in-class workshop for teens
Partners for Life
Because your school believes that the well-being of young people is an essential condition for their success, your teenager has participated in, or will soon participate in our workshop, Partners for Life (Cycle 2). This page explains what students will be learning during the workshop and provides practical tools to help them apply it in their daily lives.
Why this workshop?
This free in-class workshop teaches Secondary 3, 4, and 5 students about psychological distress, so they are equipped to deal with it if it occurs.
The tools shared during the workshop help teens:
👀 |
🗣 |
🤝 |
| Recognize the signs of psychological distress | Quickly call on available resources | Respond to a friend who’s in distress |
We can help you get the most out of this training by adapting it for school teams and parent groups on request.
Because your school believes that the well-being of young people is an essential condition for their success, your teenager has participated in, or will soon participate in our workshop, Partners for Life (Cycle 2). This page explains what students will be learning during the workshop and provides practical tools to help them apply it in their daily lives.
Why this workshop?
This free in-class workshop teaches Secondary 3, 4, and 5 students about psychological distress, so they are equipped to deal with it if it occurs.
The tools shared during the workshop help teens:
👀Recognize the signs of psychological distress |
🗣Quickly call on available resources |
🤝Respond to a friend who’s in distress |
We can help you get the most out of this training by adapting it for school teams and parent groups on request.
WHAT WILL THEY LEARN?
In this workshop, students discover:
- The importance of taking care of their mental health
- The difference between temporary depression and psychological distress
- The symptoms and signs of psychological distress
- Resources to help themselves and/or people they care about in times of need
This workshop has been developed by a committee of experts and is usually facilitated by two members of our animation team who have completed 140 hours of training.
After the workshop, check in with your child by asking these questions:
- What did you learn during the workshop? Would you like to tell me about it?
- Is there anything you already knew?
- Had you ever thought about these topics? Have you ever talked about them with friends?
- Did any of the signs of psychological distress resonate with you? Did they remind you of someone you know?
- Do you ever experience situations or events that affect your mental health?
- What do you like to do when you’re feeling down?
- Have you ever confided in someone when you’re struggling with your mental health?
- Who are the people you turn to in times like these?
For parents and teens
Content shared with students during the workshop
What's wrong with me?
How to tell if you’re sad or depressed? Learn to make the difference!
Read article
How to talk about your mental health struggles
The information in this article can help you name what you’re going through and find solutions— yes, that’s right, there are solutions to your struggles!
Read article
How to help a friend in distress?
In this video, follow McKenzie and Marta as they explain how you can help a friend in need and make a difference.
Watch video
How to help a loved one who's struggling
Here’s how can you give them the support they need while still taking care of yourself.
Read article
Solutions for depression
Here are some frequently asked questions – and answers – to help you gain a better understanding of depression in teens and what you can do about it.
Read article
Resources to help you
Here are a few resources that you can turn to, whether it’s to talk about what you’re going through, get some guidance on the next steps to take, or find more concrete solutions.
Learn moreTools to prolong the benefits of the workshop at home
Workshop handout: Understanding depression in teens
A handout summarizing the key concepts presented in our workshop Partners for Life.
Download PDF
Alarming behaviour in teenagers: when to worry?
How to tell if your teen is dealing with sadness or depression? What are the symptoms of depression in teens? How can you help?
Read article
Strategies to help a teen confide in you
Some concrete examples and easy steps for helping a teen open up.
Download PDF
Open the conversation with your teen to help them confide
Read on for advice on how to support your teen through mental health struggles.
Read article
Adolescence: It’s not a crisis. It’s a normal life stage.
There can be an unconscious tendency to downplay the difficult moments of adolescence as “just a phase.” By labelling any behaviour considered unusual as part of the “terrible teens,” we risk ignoring the real distress.
Read article
Podcast series on depression and psychological distress
Youth in Mind Foundation and Aidersonenfant.com have teamed up to bring you this podcast series: “Teenagers and depression – Key elements to accompany your teenager”.
Listen
Umbrella strategies
An info sheet to help you regain your composure and ground yourself when going through a crisis.
Download PDF
Strategies for weathering the storm
An info sheet to help you develop calming self-talk when you’re going through a crisis.
Download PDF
Treatments for depression in teens
What recognized psychotherapy treatments are often prescribed for teens? What medications are most commonly prescribed to treat anxiety disorders and depression in teens?
Read article
Resources for helping teens with depression or psychological distress
Here are some practical resources to help you find solutions and address the situation.
Read article
Family toolkit: resources to support a teenager
Here, you’ll find clear information and practical advice to help you support them through this periode of change and intense emotions.
Explore our toolkit
Testimonial from a mother in Gaspésie
2024
Testimonial from a mother in Gaspésie
2024