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Welcome to Wainwright on Wellness!
Wainwright on Wellness (WOW) is a program funded by Recovery Alberta (formerly Alberta Health Services) as part of the Mental Health Capacity Building Initiative (MHCB) to provide programming and support to students, schools, families and communities in building their mental health and wellness capacity. In partnership with a number of community agencies, WOW provides programming, support, educational opportunities, mentorship, advocacy and information in many areas including:
mental health
wellness
healthy relationships
stress management
resiliency
addiction prevention
positive social environments, and
transition
With staff based in each school along with community partners, and the Program Manager, WOW believes we can inspire, engage, support and strengthen our students, families and community!
What is Mental Health?
The Public Health Agency of Canada defines mental health as: "the capacity of each of us to feel, think and act in ways that enhance our ability to enjoy life and deal with the challenges we face. It is a positive sense of emotional and spiritual well-being that respects the importance of culture, equity, social justice, relationships and personal dignity."
Some facts and figures about mental health
Mental health problems in children and youth are common. Research shows that half of all lifetime cases of mental illness begin by age 14. The earlier a person with a mental health problem receives the support and services needed, the more successful the outcome.
Research also indicates that some 1.2 million young Canadians live with anxiety, depression, attention deficit disorders, substance use disorders and other mental health problems.
Mental health problems may emerge in childhood or during adolescence and can increase the risk of developing substance abuse issues. Some people have more risk factors than others and are therefore more likely to develop both a mental illness and substance abuse problem.
Many disorders such as anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia have ages of onset of less than 18 years old.
In 2007-08, there were 57,108 children in Alberta under the age of 18 who accessed physicians for mental health services. This does not include mental health services provided by hospitals, community mental health clinics or community agencies.
The number of visits to physicians for mental health services by children under the age of 18 has increased by nearly 40% between 1999/00 and 2007/08.
Source: Practitioner Claims, 2007/08, Alberta Health and Wellness.
CLICK HERE for a list of community resources, counselling services and support agencies (local area)