Mental health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being, and for teachers and students, maintaining mental wellness is incredibly important. The pressures of academic performance, classroom management, and external societal challenges can take a significant toll on emotional and psychological health.
Many resources and support systems have been developed to assist both educators and learners in navigating mental health challenges. This article explores the various mental health resources available for teachers and students in Canada, with a particular focus on Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a condition that disproportionately affects individuals when big shifts in daylight occur, mostly in the fall and winter, but in some cases, in spring and summer.
Mental Health Challenges Faced by Teachers and Students
Challenges for Teachers
Educators in Canada often face a variety of stressors, including heavy workloads, curriculum changes, student behavioral issues, teacher shortages and administrative responsibilities. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated these challenges, leading to increased burnout and stress among teachers.
Many educators experience significant mental health struggles, with burnout rates steadily rising. Common issues include anxiety, depression, and emotional exhaustion. Without proper support, these challenges can impact teaching effectiveness and overall job satisfaction.
Challenges for Students
Students, ranging from elementary to post-secondary levels, also experience significant mental health challenges. Academic pressures, social dynamics, family issues, and economic stressors can contribute to anxiety and depression. Furthermore, bullying—both in-person and online—remains a major concern in many schools.
A survey conducted by the Mental Health Commission of Canada found that nearly one in five Canadian youth experiences a mental health disorder. The transition to online learning during the pandemic also contributed to feelings of isolation and disconnection, making mental health support more critical than ever.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and Its Impact*
Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs at a specific time of year, most commonly in the fall and winter months when daylight hours are shorter. It
is believed to be linked to reduced exposure to natural light, which can disrupt circadian rhythms and lead to changes in serotonin and melatonin levels in the brain.
Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) typically emerges in late fall or early winter and subsides with the arrival of spring and summer. In rarer cases, symptoms begin in spring or summer instead. Regardless of the pattern, symptoms often start mildly and intensify as the season progresses.
Common Symptoms of SAD:
- Persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, or low mood
- Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
- Low energy and sluggishness
- Sleep disturbances, including excessive sleeping
- Increased cravings for carbohydrates, overeating, and weight gain
- Difficulty concentrating
- Feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, or guilt
- Thoughts of self-harm or not wanting to live
Seasonal Variations in Symptoms
Winter-Onset SAD (Winter Depression)
Symptoms commonly associated with SAD in the colder months include:
- Oversleeping
- Increased appetite, particularly for high-carb foods
- Weight gain
- Fatigue or low energy
Summer-Onset SAD (Summer Depression)
Symptoms that typically occur in warmer months include:
- Insomnia or trouble sleeping
- Reduced appetite
- Weight loss
- Agitation or heightened anxiety
- Increased irritability
How SAD Affects Teachers and Students
For teachers, SAD can result in decreased energy levels, difficulty concentrating, and increased irritability, making it harder to manage classroom dynamics effectively. For students, SAD can contribute to lower academic performance, reduced participation in class, and social withdrawal. The condition can be particularly challenging in northern Canadian regions, where daylight hours are even more limited during winter.
SAD can have a significant impact on students, affecting their mood, energy levels, and overall academic performance. The reduced daylight hours during the winter months can lead to fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and decreased motivation, making it harder for students to stay engaged in their studies. SAD can also contribute to increased absenteeism, social withdrawal, and feelings of sadness or irritability, which may interfere with peer relationships and classroom participation.
For students already managing anxiety or depression, SAD can intensify their symptoms, further hindering their ability to succeed academically and socially. Recognizing these challenges, schools can implement strategies such as increased access to natural light, flexible learning approaches, and mental health resources to support students struggling with seasonal mood changes.
Coping Strategies for SAD
- Counselling: CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) can be effective for SAD and depression. A health professional specializing in CBT or a website or app designed to coach you how to break negative patterns could be very helpful.
- Light Therapy: Exposure to bright artificial light through specially designed light therapy lamps can help alleviate symptoms.
- Physical Activity: Regular exercise has been shown to boost mood and energy levels. Think about joining a sport or just taking a walk every day.
- Nutrition: Maintaining a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals can support overall mental well-being. Avoid processed foods whenever possible.
- Mindfulness and Meditation: Incorporating mindfulness practices can help manage stress and improve focus. Start slowly with a 5-minute breathing exercise or a body scan meditation.
- Outdoor Breaks: Even brief exposure to natural light during recess or lunch breaks can have positive effects. Try to get outside at least once a day. Just being in nature also has benefits for your mental health.
- Good Sleep Habits: Try to keep your sleep schedule as consistent as possible. Turn off your electronic devices at least 30 minutes before sleep. Try using a sunrise alarm clock, which mimics the sun rising and can help you to wake up gradually.
Some Mental Health Resources in Canada
Resources for Teachers
- Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): Many school boards and educational institutions offer EAPs that provide confidential counseling services for teachers.
- Canadian Teachers’ Federation (CTF/FCE) Wellness Programs: The CTF/FCE offers a variety of resources, including mental health workshops and wellness support initiatives.
- MindBeacon and Other Digital Therapy Platforms: Teachers can access cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) through online platforms like MindBeacon, which provides professional mental health support.
- The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA): CMHA offers support groups, mental health training, and crisis intervention services for educators.
- Unsinkable: Unsinkable harnesses the power of storytelling to bridge the gap between traditional mental health resources and innovative, psychosocial support models.
- Telus Health: Teachers Life LTD Members have access to a wide range of services and tools to help support their mental, physical, and financial health.
- Starling Minds: Starling Minds is a digital program to help Teachers Life LTD Members better manage stress, anxiety, burnout and depression.
- Teachers Life Mental Health Resources: Mental health and well-being quizzes, articles, and infographics to help you and your students flourish.
Resources for Students
- Kids Help Phone: A free, confidential helpline available 24/7 for children and youth in Canada, providing counselling and support via phone, text, and online chat. Kids Help Phone’s Counsellor in the Classroom is a school-based mental health literacy program, available to students in grades 4 -12 across Canada. This program is free for all public schools, and educators or school administrators can register for one or more sessions using their brief online registration form.
The program is divided into two parts:
- Part one includes classroom activities and mental health curriculum created by Kids Help Phone (lesson plans, mental health preparation activities, seeking support and addressing barriers, debrief suggestions and more). Once registered, a digital toolkit that covers all of the above will be sent to the educator.
- Part two includes a 45-minute virtual conversation between the class and a Kids Help Phone professional counsellor. This virtual session seeks to help students gain a better understanding of mental health, identify how and where they can seek support, improve confidence in seeking support, and help them safety plan.
School-Based Mental Health Programs: Many Canadian schools offer in-house mental health services, including guidance counselors, social workers, and peer support groups. Ask your guidance counselor or check your school website for more information.
- Jack.org: A youth-led organization dedicated to empowering young people to take care of their mental health and advocate for change in their communities.
- Foundry BC: A province-wide initiative providing health and wellness resources, including mental health and substance use services, for young people aged 12-24 in British Columbia.
- BounceBack: A free skill-building program offered by the CMHA that helps youth manage low mood, stress, and anxiety through guided self-help materials and coaching.
- Unsinkable Youth: (aged 16-26) meet both in-person and in a virtual space to share their lived experience by providing peer-to-peer connection and gain inspiration to empower and promote wellness.
The Role of Schools in Promoting Mental Health
Creating a Supportive Environment
Schools play a critical role in fostering mental well-being among teachers and students. Implementing mental health-friendly policies, such as flexible scheduling, wellness initiatives, and professional development on mental health topics, can create a more supportive environment.
Encouraging Open Conversations
Destigmatizing mental health by encouraging open discussions within schools can make it easier for students and educators to seek help. Implementing peer support groups, mental health awareness campaigns, and teacher training programs on mental health literacy can contribute to a more understanding school culture. Click here to watch our Flourish+ Talk about the mental health of teachers and students with Dr. Gillian Mandich and Karen Goodeve.
Implementing Preventative Measures
Proactively addressing mental health through early intervention strategies can prevent more severe issues from developing. Schools can introduce regular mental health check-ins, mindfulness programs, and stress management workshops to equip students and teachers with tools for resilience.
Flourishing
Mental health is an essential component of a thriving educational environment. With the wide range of resources available in Canada, both teachers and students have access to support systems that can help them manage stress, anxiety, and conditions like Seasonal Affective Disorder.
By promoting mental health awareness, creating inclusive school environments, and utilizing available resources, Canadians can continue to foster and improve the well-being of its educators and students. Prioritizing mental health not only enhances learning experiences but also ensures a healthier, more supportive community for all.
Want to Create Positive Change?
If you’re an educator or student activist wondering how you can help to make meaningful changes in our communities, check out our Press Start CoLab High School Program. Over seven weeks, high school students from across Ontario work together with their peers and a member of the educational community to develop an idea that addresses mental health among youth. They’ll receive guidance from mentors to transform their ideas into real-life solutions. The goal of the program is to make meaningful changes in our communities.
What’s Next?
If you think you have SAD, the best first step is to consult your doctor. They can help determine which, if any, of the resources mentioned above are right for you. If you suspect you have seasonal depression, it’s important to see a doctor first to rule out other possible causes of your symptoms.
Teachers Life is an insurance company. While we care deeply about mental health, we are not medical professionals. If you are facing a medical or mental health emergency, please inform your local emergency services. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any medical or wellness program.
Resources:
https://bc.cmha.ca/documents/seasonal-affective-disorder-2/
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/a-deeper-wellness/202405/understanding-and-managing-summer-sad msockid=2ccf7513333e607604c06089321b61a1
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