Physical Education/Health Education
Connecting Mental Health Literacy and Well-Being to the Physical education / Health Education Curriculum
2.05 MB)The Public Health Agency of Canada defines mental health as “the capacity of each and all of us to feel, think, act in ways that enhance our ability to enjoy life and deal with the challenges we face.” (PHAC) Positive mental health is essential for the school environment. When students are mentally healthy, they enjoy contributing to school life, are willing to explore and take healthy risks, and are able to manage stressors and adversity. Students with a positive sense of mental health have a sense of self-worth, dignity, belonging, and a respect for others. They perform better academically, have greater self-esteem, and are better able to regulate their behaviour.
Mental well-being can be viewed from an Indigenous perspective as “living the good life” (i.e., Mino-Pimatsowin). It is about the balance of the emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of a person. If the balance is a healthy one, then the person can develop their gifts (skills and abilities) so they can share with the world.
