Each month we highlight an AIDE Canada resource that ties into the work we do here at Sinneave. This month we’re featuring two resources that address mental health. Did you know that anxiety and depression are two common mental health conditions that impact autistic and neurodivergent individuals and people with disabilities? Finding support to address your mental health needs is important and there are many resources that can help.
Promoting Better Mental Health (video)
The first resource is a short animated video that walks viewers through two popular, evidence-based practices that can help us feel better when we are struggling. While the animation may seem a bit childish, the content of the video is very accessible and useful. The script was written, developed, and narrated by Dr. Fakhri Shafai of AIDE Canada.
You can access the video by clicking on the words, PROMOTING BETTER MENTAL HEALTH VIDEO.
Mental Health and Sensory Issues for Teens (Toolkit)
The second resource is a toolkit highlighting mental health and sensory issues that many teens experience.
Being a teen can be both good and tough at times. Even though there are thousands of other autistic people and many others with intellectual disability and/or other neuro-developmental differences. If you’re going through a difficult time, it can be easy to feel like you are the only one who may be struggling.
This toolkit of resources is designed to address questions you may have related to mental health.
It’s important to keep in mind that no two teenagers are the same. You may find that all the information, exercises or resources are helpful, or just one or two of them are. There is no need to go in order or even do all the exercises. Just use this Toolkit in any way that works for you. If you feel that you have questions or concerns that aren’t being answered here, it may be best to talk with a trusted adult like a parent, teacher or other professional.
You can access the Toolkit by clicking on the words MENTAL HEALTH TOOLKIT FOR TEENS
Skills Groups: Acceptance & Commitment Training
Here at Sinneave, we offer Skills Groups that focus on Acceptance & Commitment Training, commonly known as ACT. ACT is an evidence-based approach that uses mindfulness and other strategies and experiences to reduce the impact of difficult or unpleasant thoughts and feelings. The goal of ACT is to help you learn through experience how to strengthen your mind and create psychological flexibility, which can have a positive impact on mental health.
Skills Groups run in a small group format for six consecutive weeks, covering a different topic each week in a safe and supportive environment.
The application window for our next round of Skills Groups opens on January 4, 2023. You can access the registration link by visiting our Event Calendar HERE.
If you’d like to talk to someone about the programs and services we offer, you can also contact one of our Learning & Connection Associates to book an Information & Navigation meeting. You can do this by emailing info@sinneavefoundation.org
