This article is part of a special 5-part blog series for Mental Health Week 2018 There are a lot of factors that can impact a child or teenager’s mental strength such as peer pressure, physical changes, or academic and extracurricular performance. Noticing the signs of mental illness can be a daunting task as these factors can be mistaken as “growing pains” or “teenage angst.” Here are some signs and symptoms that could indicate a student is experiencing issues with their mental health. Educators can look for and if necessary, take measures to intervene and help those students to cope with stressful situations. Changes in school performance Excessive worry or anxiety Out of character behavior Unexpected outbursts of emotion Sleeping problems – including too much or not enough Changed eating habits – including eating too much or not eating at all Drug and alcohol use...
This article is part of a special 5-part blog series for Mental Health Week 2018 There are numerous resources available to help educators teach students their regular curriculum such as lesson plans, webinars, how-to videos and useful links to name a few. However, there are also resources available, such as Readyforlife.ca that help teachers guide students (and themselves), through their mental wellness. One way educators can help students is through teachable moments in everyday life. Here are three opportunities that teachers can use to show students how to deal with every day stressful situations. Learn from others We all have unique stories and experiences to share. Whether it’s with friends or parents, encourage students to express their opinions and ask questions with people they trust. Other people have experiences, whether they’re similar or completely different, and there are lessons to be learned through simple storytelling and engaging in conversation. Find...
This article is part of a special 5-part blog series for Mental Health Week 2018 The stresses that we all face in our day-to-day lives can not only have an effect on our physical health, but our mental health as well. Many of you may be familiar with the old proverb, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Taking up a physical activity and eating well are the top two things people do to improve and maintain physical wellness. But, did you know adopting a mental fitness regimen is just as important for your health? It’s important to make time to work on your mental fitness. Many people don’t give themselves permission to forget about their worries and concerns, even if it’s just temporarily. But, by giving yourself a mental fitness workout, you’ll feel re-energized and more confident. Here are five ways the Canadian Mental Health Association says you...
This article is part of a special 5-part blog series for Mental Health Week 2018 Teaching is among the most stressful professions in Canada. Mental health should be a priority, not only to ensure the wellness of educators, but for the wellness of the students they teach. A University of British Columbia study found that burnout rates among educators impacts their students’ ability to regulate their physiological stress. Taking the time to assess your well-being is the first step to mental wellness. Understanding how you cope with various stressors and unknown events gives you the perspective you need to decide when to seek help, as well as the right tools to improve your mental health. Here are four questions you should ask yourself that will help measure your mental wellness. Do you dwell on the past and often think about different outcomes? Sometimes things don’t always go as planned....
