Stressed-out students can get help through group program in Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon

Students feeling overwhelmed by the pressures of high school in Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon can learn how to better manage stress by signing up for a therapeutic group program.

It’s called the Youth Have Stress Too program, and is open to Peel District School Board high school students struggling with stress and anxiety opportunities to learn stress-reduction and stress-management techniques, the board says.

The five-week-long, virtual group program is facilitated by PDSB social workers and will teach students “what triggers stress and anxiety while learning healthy coping strategies to support their well-being,” the PDSB says.

The program is open to Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon PDSB students between Grade 9 and 12. The work groups will be small, with between 10 to 12 students, the board says.

The groups are based on a student self-referral model, and registration should only be done by students, the board says.

Parents, caregivers or staff members who have a student who may benefit from the program are encouraged to share information about the group and, if needed, complete registration together with students only if they have agreed.

Registration is first-come, first-served. Once the group is full, students will be informed about future group opportunities.

You can learn more about the Youth Have Stress Too program or register by visiting www.peelschools.org.

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact 911 or Peel Crisis Service at 905-278-9036. Students who are struggling and need support can call Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868.