Updated: October 9, 2024

As a teacher, you give so much to your students every day. But it's important to remember to take care of yourself, too. Managing your mental health is important. If you are not feeling well mentally, it can take a toll on your classroom. Here’s some helpful information and tips on coping with mental health as a teacher.

Book a free consultation with our clinic to learn how counselling services or therapy for teachers can help. We understand the unique needs of teachers in Ontario. We have a variety of therapists to choose from and work with teachers regularly.

Understanding Teacher’s Mental Health

Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how you think, feel, and act. Good mental health helps you handle stress, relate to others, and make decisions. When you’re struggling with your mental health, it can impact every part of your life. It can impact your social and family life, and your job as a teacher.

Are Teachers More Prone to Mental Health Issues?

Teaching is a rewarding but demanding profession. Teachers often face unique challenges that can put them at a higher risk for mental health issues. Here’s why:

High Levels of Stress

Teachers deal with high stress daily. From managing classroom behaviours to meet admin demands. They also have to stay up to date curriculum changes. The pressure to ensure student success can be overwhelming at times.

Emotional Demands

Teachers often form strong bonds with their students, which can be both fulfilling and draining. Dealing with students' issues can take a toll on a teacher's emotional well-being. Students are often faced with bullying, home issues (e.g. poverty, abusive parents), etc.

Workload and Time Pressure

Many teachers work long hours, both in and out of the classroom. Grading papers, preparing lessons, and participating in extracurricular activities can lead to burnout. The lack of work-life balance is a common issue. Many people think that teachers work short workdays - which is not the truth. Work hours can go well beyond the end of the school day.

Lack of Support

In some schools, teachers may feel isolated and unsupported by their colleagues or administration. This lack of support can exacerbate feelings of stress and anxiety.

5 Tips to Cope with Mental Health as a Teacher

1. Focus on Self-Care:

   • Make time for activities that help you relax and recharge. This could be reading, exercising, or spending time with loved ones. Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish; it’s necessary.

2. Set Boundaries:

   • It’s easy to let work take over your life, but setting boundaries is crucial. Define your work hours and stick to them. Avoid taking work home whenever possible and give yourself time to unwind.

3. Connect with Others:

   • Build a support system of colleagues, friends, and family. Talking about your experiences and feelings can help you process stress and feel supported.

4. Practice Mindfulness:

   • Mindfulness techniques can help reduce stress and keep you grounded. Even a few minutes a day can make a big difference.

5. Stay Organized:

   • Keeping a planner or to-do list can help manage your workload and reduce feelings of being overwhelmed. Break tasks into smaller, manageable steps.

When to Get Help

Sometimes, self-care and coping strategies aren’t enough. Here are signs it might be time to seek professional help:

• Persistent feelings of sadness or anxiety

• Difficulty functioning at home or work

• Physical symptoms like fatigue, headaches, or changes in sleep and appetite

• Withdrawal from friends, family, or activities you used to enjoy

• Thinking about work when you are not at work

Mental Health Support for Ontario Teachers and EAs

Teaching and educational assistance (EA) are challenging roles that demand a lot. Teachers and EAs in Ontario need to have access to mental health support. Here are some free resources to manage your mental health.

Private Therapy for Teachers

If you are a full-time teacher in Ontario, you may have access to private coverage for therapy. Many have about $2000 in coverage through the Ontario Teacher’s Insurance Plan (OTIP). Call your benefits provider today. At Virtual CBT Psychotherapy, we have a variety of psychotherapists to choose from who are covered by OTIP or private insurance companies.

Book a Free Consultation with a Therapist

Book a free consultation to see how we can help. Our Clinical Directors (Celissa and Melissa) will meet with you. They will match you with a therapist in Ontario. We see a lot of teachers at our clinic so we understand the unique demands that you face.

Free Resources for Ontario Teachers and EAs

1. Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs):

   • Many school boards offer EAP to their employees. EAP offers confidential counselling services and mental health support. Check with your employer to see what’s available.

2. Ontario Teachers’ Federation (OTF):

   • The OTF offers resources and support for teachers including mental health workshops and seminars. Visit otffeo.on.ca for more information.

3. School Mental Health Ontario:

   • This organization provides resources and training to support the mental health of educators and students. Their website offers valuable information and tools for managing stress and promoting well-being. Visit smho-smso.ca for details.

4. Local Health Integration Networks (LHINs):

   • LHINs offer mental health services in different regions of Ontario. You can find local resources and support through your nearest LHIN.

5. Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA):

   • CMHA Ontario offers various mental health services, including counselling services and support groups. Visit ontario.cmha.ca to find services near you.

How Therapy Can Help Teachers

Therapy can provide a safe space to talk about your feelings. Speaking to a therapist can help teach you strategies to cope with stress and anxiety. Therapists can help you understand the root causes of your mental health.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Taking care of your mental health is the best thing you can do for yourself and your students. You deserve support just as much as anyone else.

Book a Free Consultation - Counselling Services Can Help!

We have a variety of therapists with different specialties. Our Clinical Directors will meet with you and match you with a therapist. Learn about our therapies: DBT, anxiety, PTSD and trauma, OCD, and ADHD.

We know how busy teachers are so online therapy may be the perfect fit! You can do your sessions from the comfort of your home. We also offer flexible hours including evening and weekend appointments.

Our therapy fees.