Family members

Fact Finder: Coping with Back to School Anxiety

Anxious feelings are normal and expected in children and teens returning to school, changing schools, or for first-timers starting kindergarten. This transition can be stressful and disruptive for the entire family. In the days leading up to school, your anxious child may cling, cry, have temper tantrums, complain of headaches or stomach pains, withdraw, plead or bargain, and become irritable or angry.

Substance Use and Young People

It is natural for families and caring communities to want to know why young people use substances. They often want to know about potential risks, and question whether the behaviours and attitudes they observe are normal. This guide offers supports to help parents, families and adult members of a young person's community (caregivers, friends, teachers, health practitioners or faith leaders) talk with young people about alcohol and other drugs as they navigate individual life circumstances.

Young People: Self-injury

Self-injury (also called nonsuicidal self-injury or NSSI) is not uncommon: 15-20% of youth and young adults report self-injury. However, there are a lot of misconceptions and assumptions about self-injury, which can prevent people from getting help they need and working towards recovery. In this issue of Visions, learn more about self-injury, find strategies to help you in your own recovery, see how you can support a loved one, find support and resources, and learn from others who are navigating different parts of their own recovery journeys. 

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