S.O.S TEAM Stomping out Stigma Mental Health Focus for May Healthy Relationships Relationship ABCs The ABCs guide to Evaluating Relationships A = Awareness Having knowledge of all aspects of a relationship. This knowledge can be gained through talking with trusted teachers, counsellors, family, and older friends. The internet and books can also help you find the information you need. DEFINITIONS Healthy Relationships: a relationship is healthy when it involves kindness, mutual respect, trust, honesty, support, fairness, equality, and good communication. Unhealthy Relationships: A relationship is unhealthy when it involves mean, disrespectful, controlling, or abusive behavior. Need to Talk to Someone B = Balance Balance means being in sync and having a relationship that is not one-sided – meaning that one person has more control or power than the other. Communication is the key to staying in balance. Bethesda House: 1-800-338-3397 Denise House: 1-800-263-3725 Family Services Durham: 1-866-840-6697 John Howard Society: 905-623-6814 Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 C = Choices Choices mean being able to take control. Conscious choices include being able to decide what the next step in the relationship is – don't allow things to "just happen." School Supports: Guidance Counsellor, School Board Counsellor, Student Retention Counsellor, or Teachers. A Healthy Relationship should bring happiness to your life SELF CARE Respect Yourself, Eat well, Exercise often, get Sleep, Be kind to yourself and Appreciate your uniqueness. Mindful and consistent self-care is central to preventing or reducing stress, burnout, and compassion fatigue and also to maintaining and enhancing your wellbeing now and in the future. ACTIVITIES May 13 - Friendship Bracelets May 27 - Guest Speaker Love Should Not Hurt