Teachers across the province are teaming up with the Canadian Mental Health Association and Global TV to raise awareness of children's mental health and to fight the stigma associated with mental illness.
15 per cent of Canadian children and youth are living with some form of mental illness. In 2009, 'Hats On! For Mental Health' was launched. Schools across Alberta take part in a special day focused on educating students about mental illness.
"The stigma that's attached with mental health is nothing to be afraid of," says Mark Ramsankar with the Alberta Teachers' Association. "It's a common illness, just like many other things, it's just that you can't see it."
For the 'Hats On!' event, schools relax their hat rules, and encourage staff and students to wear a hat to school. Teachers also integrate lessons and discussions about mental health in their classrooms.
Thomas Holmes, a school counsellor at Namao School in Edmonton, says the prevalence of that stigma is lessening. "I think the perception in kids minds of going to see a counsellor, going to talk to a teacher, about stress, anxiety, those things, it's much more positive than it was in the past."
For their part, students are grateful there are supports in place when they're struggling with something. "I think it's a really good thing for people to be aware," says Grade 9 student Charleigh Konas. "We should have options of who to talk to and what to do." Grade 5 student Blake Krachkowski agrees, adding "then they know they're not alone, and kids can get help."