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The notion of spring break might evoke images of whooshing down a mountain at a ski resort or lounging on a sun-drenched beach in warmer climates. However, the reality is that such adventures are out of reach for many families with school-age children, as they stay home due to work commitments or financial pressures.

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among youth and young adults (aged 15 to 34 years) in Canada. Many of today’s young people are grappling with extraordinary circumstances, from pervasive mental health struggles to financial hardships to challenging peer or family relationships. These stressors can impact mental, emotional and physical well-being such that the challenges feel insurmountable, leading some to take their own life. 

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders diagnosed in Canada, affecting approximately 5% to 7% of children, according to the Centre for ADHD Awareness, Canada (CADDAC). While it frequently manifests itself through challenges in maintaining concentration and managing impulses, ADHD can also impact the mental and emotional health of students; it can be associated with higher risks of anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and other disorders and behaviours that can profoundly affect social relationships, behaviour and academic performance.

Everyone gets the back-to-school jitters — even educators. There’s a reason the “Sunday Scaries” is a thing, whether you’re returning from a long vacation or a typical weekend. And of course, this apprehension is not reserved for you and your colleagues. Students and their families likely also feel angst during transitions back to school and work. 

While June heralds the official start of summer, it also marks the beginning of Canada’s National Indigenous History Month and Pride Month. These celebrations are dedicated to recognizing and commemorating two historically marginalized groups — Indigenous and 2SLGBTQI+ people — and are an excellent opportunity for educators fostering inclusive environments in their schools to acknowledge and address the challenges they face.

Educators are committing to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) for all students — especially groups that endure higher rates of mental health challenges as a result of the discrimination they face. For example, according to The Trevor Project’s 2023 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health, 41% of LGBTQ+ youth say they “seriously considered attempting suicide” in the past year. The group also reported that 22% of LGBTQ Native/Indigenous young people had attempted suicide, double the rate of white young people, and the highest rate of any group. According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, LGBTQ individuals face higher rates of depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive and phobic disorders, suicidality, self-harm and substance use issues than non-LGBTQ people. Additionally, Statistics Canada reports that suicide rates among First Nations people, Métis and Inuit were significantly higher than among non-Indigenous people, with the rate among First Nations people three times higher than that of non-Indigenous people.

An inclusive approach can help all student groups feel welcome at school. Here are five ways educators can create a more affirming student environment.

There’s no question the pandemic took an incredible toll on K–12 students. They endured social isolation, an abrupt shift to remote learning and disrupted routines. Combined, these factors contribute to an alarming rise in mental health conditions, most notably a surge in anxiety and depression. In fact, two-thirds of parents polled by UNICEF Canada in 2021 reported their child’s mental health had worsened during the pandemic, with nearly half saying their children were experiencing new mental health challenges since the onset.

Students’ families, of course, have a significant stake in addressing this growing concern. But, educators and schools also play a critical role in addressing it by prioritising mental health support and identifying appropriate interventions to ensure the wellbeing and success of their students. Read on for some ways your school can help students cope, especially as summer approaches.