Pubdate: Fri, 19 Apr 2013
Source: Observer, The (CN ON)
Copyright: 2013, Sarnia Observer
Contact: http://www.theobserver.ca/letters
Website: http://www.theobserver.ca
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1676
Author: Barbara Simpson

SUBSTANCE USE RANKED TOP CONCERN

SARNIA - If you ask local public high school teachers what their top 
concern is for student wellness, the answer may be different than 
what you'd expect to hear.

Substance use has been ranked the top socio-emotional concern for 
local students, according to a recent survey of Lambton Kent District 
School Board high school teachers.

And this perspective certainly seems to be in line with students.

A sample of high school students also ranked substance use as their 
top concern, said Lori Brush, the board's mental health lead.

Brush said students have described to her how marijuana has become 
socially acceptable and regularly used amongst their peers.

"Is it self-medication?" she said. "Or it just 'no big deal'? That's 
the question."

Brush has been surveying teachers and students as part of developing 
the board's first mental health strategy. She unveiled some of the 
survey results at a parent involvement committee event Thursday night.

While youth suicide has been top of mind in Sarnia-Lambton, Brush 
noted high school teachers ranked it 10th on their list of student 
socio-emotional concerns.

Brush said some students may be trying different strategies to cope 
with their feelings.

"Some young people who are suffering will turn to alcohol or drugs," 
she told parents.

More than 1,000 elementary and high school teachers participated in 
the mental health survey.

Brush said she heard from teachers who have to deal with a variety of 
tough situations to help students.

That's why the new mental health strategy has been designed to 
encompass staff as well, Brush noted.

"Our strategy is not just dedicated to students," she said. "Our 
strategy is also dedicated to staff because in order for them to help 
students, they need to be well themselves."

The board has completed its draft strategy. However, Brush still 
plans to do board-wide student and parent surveys.

Brush encouraged parents in attendance to forget any stigma attached 
to mental illness. She said parents shouldn't be afraid to seek help 
for their children if they suspect a problem.

"There's no bad parenting that causes mental health or psychological 
issues, but it's really excellent parenting that helps support a 
youth progress through the process of help," she said.

Other survey results include:

* Surveyed high school teachers also ranked depressed mode, 
oppositional behaviour (argumentative), bullying and anxiety amongst 
their top 5 concerns for student wellness;

* Surveyed elementary teachers listed anxiety as their No. 1 concern 
for student wellness, followed by oppositional behaviour, social 
relationship behaviour (social skills) and bullying;

* 95% of surveyed high school teachers said they were concerned about 
student mental health;

* 50% of surveyed elementary teachers said they felt equipped to 
provide mental health support.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom