Need help now?

We don’t provide mental health advice, counselling, or treatment. If you or someone you know is in crisis, contact your local community crisis team. You can also reach out to the Indigenous Hope for Wellness Help Line 1-855-242-3310, the Black Youth Helpline 1-833-294-8650, or Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868.

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What is mental health?

Mental health is a desirable state of well-being or flourishing. Just like our physical health, our mental health changes – we all have times when we don’t feel mentally well.

For example, we might feel overwhelmed with too much stress, or we may have times when we feel sad and struggle to get back to feelings of wellbeing. These feelings, while typical and normal, can impact our ability to be our best self.

Mental health and mental illness aren’t the same things, though the terms are sometimes confused and used interchangeably. With appropriate care and support, people who are mentally ill can experience positive mental wellness.

You may find this video by CAMH helpful:

Learn more about student mental health and why supporting youth through schools makes sense.