Identity and Mental Health

Presented by:

Missy Mae-Ng (she/her), YRDSB – speaking on 2SLGBTQI+ identities and communities

Carolynne Warton, York Hills – speaking on Indigenous identities and communities

Habibi E. Feliciano Perez, York Hills – speaking on 2SLGBTQI+ identities and communities and intersection with race

Charmaine Lane – speaking on Black identities and communities

Nijatha Subramaniam (she/her), YRDSB – speaking on Tamil identities and communities

This session will feature mental health clinicians from a variety of backgrounds speaking on the importance of understanding the connections between who we are and our experiences of mental health. Join us in learning how race, culture, gender identity, sexual orientation, and other parts of who we are intersect and impact the ways in which we experience mental wellness, and how you can access supports that affirm your child and family’s identities. Approaches to talking with your child about their own unique identity and experiences of mental health will be discussed, as well as how to support the development of a positive sense of self.

Objectives: participants will leave the session with:

– An increased understanding of some of the ways identity can impact mental health wellbeing and how to access to affirming services.

– A idea of what to look for when seeking identity affirming mental health services.

– An increased awareness of resources available for children and families within the school board and in the community.

– Some tips/tools for talking children, and how to and understand and support their development of identity and mental health.