MDAM together with United Way presents the youth program. This program particularly caters to youth who are affected by mood disorders or mental health issues in general.  We offer customized presentations, workshops, programs, camps, and peer support for youth who are struggling and need support throughout the year.

List of Programs/Services:

• M.A.D. Camp
• M.A.D. Mondays: Every Monday from 4:00 – 7:00 pm. *This group requires registration to join. Please click on the link and scroll to the bottom of the page to fill out our online registration form.*
  Coming in 2026, The Adventures Club is a six-week MAD Monday tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG) program for youth. Participants create a character and work together to explore imaginative worlds inspired by games like Dungeons & Dragons, where there’s no winning or losing—just collaboration, creativity, and storytelling shaped by player choices and the roll of the dice. TTRPGs offer a fun, supportive space to practice problem-solving, communication, and navigating challenges, allowing youth to learn, try new things, and grow without the pressure of real-world consequences.

Peer Support Groups:

• Youth Peer Support Group: Meets every Tuesday from 5:00-6:00 pm, alternating between in-person and virtual. Virtual every 1st, 3rd and 5th Tuesday of the month. Please note this group will not be meeting virtually in November due to Remembrance Day and the Facilitator being unavailable on Nov 25th as they are attending a Student Resource Fair. *This group requires registration to join. Email, call or text youthprogram@moodmb.ca / (204) 890-4316*
• Young Adults Peer Support Group: Meets every Monday from 7:30 – 8:30 pm, alternating between in-person and virtual. Virtual every 1st, 3rd and 5th Monday of the month starting Nov 3 & 17, 2025.

Helpful Downloadable Resources (Brochure Format, PDF):

1. Being Kind to Myself: Self-Compassion

This brochure helps youth recognize when they’re being too hard on themselves and teaches what self-compassion really means. It breaks the idea into three key parts—self-kindness, mindfulness, and common humanity—to show that everyone makes mistakes and deserves patience. Through simple practices like replacing self-criticism with encouragement, forgiving past mistakes, and using positive affirmations, readers learn that being gentle with themselves is an act of strength, not weakness.

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2. Facing Doomerism: Anxiety and the Future

Feeling anxious about the future is normal—but it doesn’t have to take over your life. This brochure explores how anxiety and helplessness can grow from uncertainty and fear, and offers a practical framework for building hope. It helps readers question despairing thoughts, identify what can change, and look for “cracks in the wall” where possibility still exists. The focus is on turning awareness into action and developing resilience, one hopeful thought at a time.

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3. Life on the Teeter-Totter: Balancing Stress

Everyone experiences stress, but it becomes harmful when it sticks around. This brochure explains the difference between helpful and harmful stress and teaches strategies to get back in balance. Youth learn how to challenge unhelpful thoughts, say no when overwhelmed, and plan ahead instead of worrying about the future. Breathing exercises, teamwork, and asking for help are encouraged as ways to keep stress from taking control.

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4. Hard Times Come and Go: Building Empathy

Empathy connects us to others and helps build stronger communities. This brochure explores what low empathy looks like and how learning to understand others’ feelings can improve relationships and compassion. It offers practical ways to grow empathy—like active listening, trying new experiences, reading diverse stories, and joining community causes. The message is clear: empathy takes practice, but it helps turn our “islands” into bridges.

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5. Thanks to You: On Gratitude

Focusing on problems can make life feel dark, but gratitude helps bring light back in. This brochure teaches that gratitude isn’t just about saying thanks—it’s about recognizing kindness, shifting perspective, and connecting more deeply with others. Readers learn simple ways to practice gratitude, like mindful reflection, thanking others, and finding positives even in hard times. It also introduces the idea of radical acceptance: acknowledging what can’t be changed without judgment, as a pathway to peace.

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6. Decoding the Media: Body Image

Social media and pop culture can distort how we see ourselves. This brochure helps youth understand where body image pressures come from and how to build a healthier relationship with their bodies. It encourages body neutrality, self-respect, and kindness toward oneself and others, while challenging harmful talk about appearance or weight. By separating beauty from worth, readers learn to value character and well-being over perfection.

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7. Our Bodies, Ourselves: Nutrition, Exercise, Hygiene & Self-Care

Real self-care goes deeper than quick fixes—it’s about caring for your body and mind in sustainable ways. This brochure guides youth through healthy habits like nutritious eating, movement, sleep, hygiene, and knowing when to rest. It highlights how physical wellness supports mental health, and how small actions—like showering, stretching, or eating well—can restore energy and confidence. Readers are reminded that self-care isn’t indulgence; it’s maintenance for both body and spirit.

One-on-One Peer Support:

You can book a one-on-one peer support session (online/in person) with our Youth Program Coordinator.

Contact information:

Youth Program Coordinator
youthprogram@moodmb.ca
204-890-4316