Coping with mental illness and maintaining strong mental health is difficult enough without the added obstacle of dark, cold, short winter days. The effects of our drastically changing weather and environment can be a serious strain on our energy levels, stress, appetite, and motivation. We’re here to provide you with a few different mental health resources and strategies so that you can not only survive but thrive through these upcoming Canadian winter months! What is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)? Have you ever felt drastically impacted by the change in seasons? Seasonal Affective Disorder, unironically referred to as SAD, is a form of depression that fluctuates in relation to the change in seasons. Although SAD is commonly experienced in the fall and winter months, it can also affect people during the spring and summer. Common SAD symptoms across the winter months include oversleeping, appetite changes, weight gain, tiredness, and low energy....
And just like that, we’ve gone from summer to autumn. As many Canadians dread the end of warm summer days, we’re here to remind you of all the wonderful heartwarming activities that you can join in on at any age! Here are our top 10 favourite activities to do this fall season: 1. Put on your cozy sweater and go for a walk to get your favourite warm drink. It’s finally time to dust off that old, wool sweater and go for a cozy stroll around your neighbourhood to your favourite coffee shop. You can listen to a podcast, some jazz, talk to a friend on the phone, bring a friend along, or just enjoy the silence. We know walks are so overdone this year with COVID but let’s give it one last go before the cold Canadian weather sets in. Plus, it’s always worth it when there’s a warm...
September 30, 2021 is the first annual day of Truth and Reconciliation. What is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation? It is a federal statutory holiday that gives the public a chance to recognize and commemorate the intergenerational harm that residential schools have caused to Indigenous families and communities, and to honor those who have been affected by this injustice. Although the last residential school closed in 1996, many other events such as the Sixties Scoop and the over-representation of Indigenous children in the child welfare system contribute to the lasting effects of colonialism on children, families, and communities. Where does this day come from? This national day is one of the Call-to-Actions from the Truth and Reconciliation Commissions of 2015 that investigated the abuse, trauma, and torturous acts within residential schools (including the sixties scoop, day schools, and other kidnappings of Indigenous children into the child welfare system). Within the report...
Excitement, fear, anxiety, and joy are just a few of the words floating around as students and teachers go back-to-school this fall. While many discussions are centered around how to support the students, it’s important to also focus on the much-needed support of teachers during these times. With the growing sense of normalcy that follows in-person teaching, comes a looming sense of stress and anxiety. “What if there’s a COVID outbreak in my class? What if school suddenly goes back to online? How are my students going to adjust? How am I going to adjust?” We understand and we’re right here with you to go through the different strategies and resources that will help you along the way. General Anxiety vs “Teacher Anxiety” While the world has come face-to-face with new or familiar general anxiety during the pandemic, teachers are faced with the unique circumstance of back-to-school “teacher anxiety”. We’d...
