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Mental Health

Mental health is just as important as your physical health and overall well-being. It’s about how you think, feel, and act.

Did you know? Five out of five people have mental health, that means everybody. It is important to take care of your mental health just as you take care of your physical health. Good mental health helps you get the most out of life, and helps you cope with life's stresses and reach your goals. We can all improve our mental health.

For crisis and suicide prevention services - seek immediate help

Call 211 - Explore mental health services in Durham Region

Check in on your mental health

Learn more about mental health stats in Durham Region

Talk, learn and thrive

At Durham, we want to encourage our community to talk, learn, and thrive when it comes to mental health. By having open conversations, sharing knowledge, and supporting one another, we can help foster a culture where mental well-being is prioritized at every stage of life. When it comes to building positive mental health, talking about how we feel helps increase our understanding, feel less alone, and grow as people.

Learn ways to take care of your mental health

Check in with yourselfCheck in with yourselfHelp care for yourselfHelp care for yourselfConnect with communityConnect with communityReach out for supportReach out for supportLearn about stigmaLearn about stigmaWords HurtWhy words matter

Talking about our mental health is a sign of strength. Learning about ways to build positive mental health is a step in the right direction, and putting what we’ve learned into action is a way in which we can continue thriving everyday.

It is common to feel sad, isolated, worried, or angry at times, but if these feelings occur frequently and become overwhelming, it may be time for extra help. You may experience shifts in your sleep patterns, appetite, or focus. Recognizing that you need support is a powerful and courageous step in taking control of your well-being.

There are many ways to learn more information, resources and services available that can guide your journey to healing. Getting help is a sign of your strength and resilience!

Difference between mental health and mental illness
Ways to build resiliency within ourselves and others
Stress can be normal, necessary and even helpful
Got two minutes? Try this calming activity

Parents/caregivers of children and teens

Children and Young TeensFor children and young teens, part of being mentally healthy is being able to bounce back from challenges and learn from them. You play an important role in helping your child learn to deal with life’s stresses.

The teenage years are a time when many physical, emotional, and social changes are occurring. Teens often experience a range of emotions, as do parents.

You play a vital role in helping your teen handle life’s ups and downs in positive ways.

  • Build trust by having routines, setting limits and explaining your expectations.
  • Build their self-esteem. Accept your child for who they are.
  • Help them find solutions to their problems.
  • Encourage them to see things from another person's point of view.
  • Give them opportunities to practice patience.
  • Let them play and exercise. Being physical active is a great stress reliever.
  • Ensure your child gets enough sleep. Children need about 9 to 11 hours of sleep, and teens need 8 to 10 hours of sleep daily. Visit our Physical Activity, Sedentary Time and Sleep page to learn more.
  • Let them experience loss with your support.
  • Teach them about their feelings and good ways to deal with them.
  • Prepare them for changes. For teens, teach them new life skills and let them practice things like doing laundry or cooking.
  • Stay positive and show warmth, it's important to continue to show (through your actions) love and warmth to your child.
  • Provide choices.
  • 98 Ways to Say "Very Good"
  • Talk to your teen about drugs and alcohol and how using them can affect their physical and mental health.
  • Talk to your teen about healthy ways to cope with stress such as using deep breathing, practicing yoga, or developing a plan to cope with their problems.
  • Listen. Listening is the most important part of communicating with your teen. Encourage them to share their feelings and try to be understanding. Using statements like "I see" or "Tell me more about" shows active listening, validating, and can see things from their perspective.

  • Durham Counselling Walk-in Clinic - This is a free, confidential, counselling clinic, providing service for children and youth 3 to 19 years. Call: 289-509-0603, extension 3203.
  • Central Intake by Kinark Child and Family Services - Central Intake provides supports to children, youth and families who may be struggling with a mental health issue (in collaboration with community partners). Call: 1-888-454-6275.
  • Children, Youth & Family Health & Wellness - Durham Community Health Centre - Explore various programs and services for children, youth and family wellness.
  • Family Services Durham - Offers counselling to families with children ages six and older, and to individuals 12 years of age and older, based on current needs. To request service, complete our Counselling Request Form or call 311 or 1‑888‑721‑0622.
  • Durham Mental Health Services - Offers a wide range of services and providing supports to individuals and families over the age of 16. Call: 905-666-0831.
  • Kids Help Phone - 24/7 e-mental health service offering free, multilingual and confidential support via phone, text or chat to children and youth. Call: 1-800-668-6868.
  • One Stop Talk - A free, confidential service that lets kids and youth get immediate mental health support with a registered therapist. Call: 1-855-416-8255 (TALK).
  • BounceBack Ontario - A free skill-building program to help adults and youth (age 15+) manage mental health concerns and support you to mental wellness. Call: 1-866-345-0224.
  • Connex Ontario - Navigate 24/7 free and confidential health services and information for people experiencing problems with alcohol, drugs, addictions, mental illness or gambling in Ontario. Call: 1-866-531-2600.
  • 211 Ontario - 211 is a helpline that easily connects people to the social and health services, programs and community supports. Call 2-1-1.

Youth and young adults

Young AdultsMental health is a cornerstone of overall well-being, especially during youth, a time of rapid growth, change, and self-discovery. For example, there might be transitions like going to college, university, or leaving home, significant life events, being a new immigrant, identity exploration or forming relationships with peers.

Supporting your mental health as a young person is essential for building resiliency, forming healthy relationships, and to be able navigate life's challenges with confidence are lifelong skills. When you feel mentally well, you can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Prioritizing mental health not only reduces the risk of long-term issues but also empowers young individuals, like yourself, to reach full potential and lead fulfilling lives.

  • Establish a routine. Eat healthy and move your body regularly.
  • Think about coping and what has worked for you in the past to feel better. Explore self-care activities like, walks, reading, exercise, gardening, volunteering and connecting with loved ones who can support you.
  • Know your supports and people you can trust. You can reach out to family, friends, neighbours, spiritual leaders, teachers, or coaches. You can also reach out to school/campus health counsellors or your family doctor.
  • Recognize your own strength and resourcefulness to increase self-confidence and ability to problem-solve. Set realistic goals on what you can do and take steps towards achieving them.
  • Practice mindfulness and self-awareness. Give yourself time to reflect on each day.

It’s not always easy to ask for help, or to talk about how you feel. Here are some ways to get the conversation started:

Getting Help

If you’re worried about someone, say something! You don’t have to be afraid of saying the wrong thing. Be thoughtful of the time and place to make it easier to have a private discussion. Avoid giving advice, they just need you to be present and open.

Helping Others

  • Ontario Structured Psychotherapy Program | Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences - Offers therapy services and practical approaches to manage mental conditions (depression and anxiety-related) for clients 18+. Call: 1-877-767-9642.
  • Central Intake by Kinark Child, Youth and Family Services - Central Intake provides supports to children, youth and families who may be struggling with a mental health issue in collaboration with community partners. Call: 1-888-454-6275.
  • WeConnect Mental Health and Wellness - Community mental health service for people aged 16+ and older (from emotional support, connection and education) to help individuals care for their mental well-being. Call: 1-888-255-6680.
  • Mental Health and Addictions Central Connect - Offers a range of services to patients to support mental health and addictions journey through various programs based on need in Durham. Call: 905-440-7534.
  • Durham Counselling Walk-in Clinic - This is a free, confidential, counselling clinic, providing service for children and youth 3 to 19 years. Call: 289-509-0603, extension 3203
  • Durham Community Health Centre – Mental Health Counselling - Brief counselling services to help individuals with mild to moderate mental health concerns and no referrals from doctor needed. Call: 1-877-227-3217.
  • PFLAG – Durham Region - Supporting all persons in their journey through gender identity, gender expression and sexual orientation. Call: 1-888-530-6777 ext. 533.
  • Canadian Mental Health Association Durham - Wide variety of mental health, addiction, and housing services. Call: (905) 436-8760.
  • Durham Mental Health Services - Offers a wide range of services and providing supports to individuals and families over the age of 16+. Call: 905-666-0831.
  • Family Services Durham - Offers individual, family and relationship counselling to youth 12 years of age and older, based on current needs. To request service, complete our Counselling Request Form or call 311 or 1‑888‑721‑0622.
  • Hope for Wellness - A 24/7 helpline available to all Indigenous people across Canada. Call: 1-855-242-3310.
  • One Stop Talk - A free, confidential service that lets kids and youth (under 18) get immediate mental health support with a registered therapist. Call: 1-855-416-8255 (TALK).
  • Connex Ontario - Navigate 24/7 free and confidential health services and information for people experiencing problems with alcohol, drugs, addictions, mental illness or gambling in Ontario. Call: 1-866-531-2600.
  • BounceBack Ontario - A free skill-building program to help adults and youth manage mental health concerns and support you to mental wellness, ages 15+. Call: 1-866-345-0224.
  • Kids Help Phone - 24/7 e-mental health service offering free, multilingual and confidential support via phone, text or chat to children and youth. Call: 1-800-668-6868.
  • Good2Talk - A confidential 24/7 helpline for post-secondary students aged 17 to 25, available in multiple languages. Students can use to get information and referrals about services. Call: 1-866-925-5454.
  • 211 Ontario - 211 is a helpline that easily connects people to the social and health services, programs and community supports. Call: 2-1-1.

Adult mental health

Adult Son and Elderly FatherThere is no health without mental health - good mental health helps you get the most out of life, and helps you cope with life’s stresses and reach your goals.

Adult mental health can be affected during times of change or challenges, such as, finishing college, becoming a new parent, retirement, death of a loved one or getting divorced.

Good mental health plays a role in building healthy relationships, prevent chronic disease, injury, and substance use.

  • Eat a healthy diet.
  • Be active. Being physically well is important to overall mental health.
  • Get good quality sleep on regular basis with consistent sleep and wake times provides mental health benefits.
  • Make plans to meet up with a friend and spending time with people you enjoy
  • Participate in cultural events in and around your community.
  • Set realistic goals and take steps towards achieving them. Look for opportunities to grow and learn from difficult experiences and identifying the positives.
  • Leave a kind message for someone else to find. Let someone know how much you appreciate them and why.
  • Practice gratitude. At the end of the day, write down what you are grateful for or something that made you feel good today.
  • Explore ways to manage stress such as, try a new recipe, write a poem or a letter to someone, paint, or listen to music that lifts you up.
  • Recognize your own strength and resourcefulness to increase self-confidence and ability to problem-solve. Set realistic goals and take steps towards achieving them.
  • Establish work-life balance and boundaries. Ask for help and offer help at work. Take breaks, build downtime in your schedule (e.g., take a walk, do a breathing exercise, make some tea, nutritious meal). Check-in with your organization’s policies on creating healthy work-life balance.
  • Practice mindfulness. Mindfulness is a practice of focusing your attention on one thing. To learn more about connection to self and mindfulness visit durham.ca/connection.
  • Practice self-care and paying attention to your needs and feelings.

Explore other services provided in the region.

Diverse communities

Durham is home to a population rich in diversity and culture. If you are looking for a community to connect with or to find mental health information in different languages, there are a variety of resources and supports available for communities across the region and surrounding area.

Information for schools

You can find information about mental health in schools on our Educators and Curriculum Resources page.