Yellowknife — April 29, 2021
The Government of the Northwest Territories has launched a new e-mental health program for youth aged 13-24. BreathingRoom™ is an award winning, transformational e-mental health option that supports youth and young adults in learning new ways to manage stress, depression and anxiety, as well as strengthening their existing coping skills.
Developed with input from over 100 young people, BreathingRoom™ is an online, self-directed, 8-topic / 8-week program. It incorporates best practices based on 80+ years of clinical expertise and integrative, evidence-based approaches including cognitive behavioural therapy principles, mindfulness, positive psychology, neurophysiology, and psychiatry.
NWT youth can access this program by clicking on the following link: https://app.breathingroom.me/register?code=XXQTGPUE.
They can also download the BreathingRoom mobile app from Google Play or the App Store and enter the code XXQTGPUE to gain full access to the program.
BreathingRoom™ is one of several mental health supports available to NWT youth. Other supports include Strongest Families Institute – a telephone based support for children and families experiencing mild to moderate anxiety, depression and behavioural concerns; the presence of Child and Youth Care Counsellors in NWT schools and communities; and the NWT Help Line at 1-800-661-0844 and Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for free and confidential support. For more information on youth mental health supports, residents can talk to their local community counselling program.
Quotes
“We heard from youth that they wanted access to confidential and flexible mental health services. This evidence based and clinically tested e-mental health program that was developed with input from over 100 Canadian youth is one more option that youth can access in addition to the Community Counselling Program, Community Child and Youth Care Counsellors, and Strongest Families Institute. Having more evidence-based mental health options for our residents provides them with better opportunities to choose the supports they want and when they want them.”
- Julie Green, Minister of Health and Social Services
“CINIM, the Calgary charity that developed BreathingRoom™, is delighted to partner with the Government of the Northwest Territories to bring our award-winning youth wellness program to teens and young adults. BreathingRoom™ helps young people build resilience, and better navigate life’s challenges especially relevant at this time. This program specifically helps youth connect with themselves in healthier ways, relate to others, discover deeper purpose and empowers them with the skills to thrive”
- Dr. Allan Donsky, Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist, Board Chair, CINIM.
Quick facts
- It's estimated that 10-20% of Canadian youth are affected by a mental illness or disorder.
- BreathingRoom™ helps youth deal with stress, anxiety and depression, find mind-body connection and understand the connection between thoughts and behaviours.
- BreathingRoom™ is an evidence-based, award-winning e-mental health and wellness program that has been clinically tested to help youth 13-24 deal with stress, anxiety and depression.
- BreathingRoom™ includes 8 topics, which offer:
- Visualizations to promote calm and creative thinking
- Fresh insights from medical experts
- A down-to-earth program host who guides participants through the program and shares personal experiences
- Simple activities to try out the ideas presented
- Offline journaling
- Music that expresses emotions we can all relate to
- Movie and book suggestions
- BreathingRoom™ is available online 24/7 in English and French.
- The program was designed to be taken over 8 weeks for 20 to 30 minutes.
- As it is self-directed, there is no set timeframe to complete the program, and people can choose to go through the topics randomly.
- Mental Wellness and addictions recovery supports available to NWT youth and young adults include Strongest Families Institute, Community Counselling Program, Community Child and Youth Care Counsellors, NWT Help Line, Kids Help Line, on the land and community-based options, and child and youth treatment programs.
Related link
- Mental Wellness and Addictions Recovery Supports – Getting Help
- Treatment Resources for NWT Children, Youth and Families
- Minister Statement – Youth Mental Health Supports
Media Requests, please contact:
Damien Healy
Manager of Communications
Department of Health and Social Services
Government of the Northwest Territories
(867) 767-9052 ext. 49034