Mental health and wellbeing in teaching
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Article updated 19/09/2023
Teaching is a challenging, sometimes stressful profession. Mental health and wellbeing in teaching should be given considerable attention - especially these days when teachers are dealing with ever more complex issues such as bullying or cyberbullying amongst students. The rising need to teach about mental health problems including anxiety and depression which affect young people at all stages of their education is becoming more prevalent, as is the need for teachers to take better care if their own mental health and wellbeing. In fact, research shows that teacher wellbeing impacts pupil outcomes directly.
It is very important for teachers to identify and understand mental health problems when they occur in their students, and in themselves. Having a clear understanding of the warning signs of psychological issues such as anxiety or depression and teaching about them so other young people can recognise problems in themselves or others can help prevent mental illness from developing further. Also, talking with teenagers openly can help them to feel in control of their emotions which could help reduce stress levels too.
How to promote mental health and wellbeing at school
There are steps schools and colleges could take to improve teacher wellbeing which could include implementing initiatives such as yoga classes for staff members, open forums for discussion and regular CPD to support the learning process. In addition, counselling services can benefit educators and have proven successful in reducing workplace related stress in the school enviroment.
The mental health of teachers has been recognised as being a significant issue by government officials. Nicky Morgan, former Secretary for Education in England, pledged £200 million to improve services supporting both pupils and staff members. In addition, the National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers (NASUWT) lobbied successfully for new laws requiring better support from employers. Academics at Liverpool University have proposed that all schools should review procedures regularly with regards to pupil safety, plus encourage them not be afraid if they require help or advice about any issues which could impact on their wellbeing.
Mental Health UK offers a wealth of information helping school leaders prevent mental illness amongst staff members through proper care planning systems, improving communication opportunities and offering professional development courses on mental health education for teachers and school leaders.
The Mental Health Foundation has also produced an excellent report named 'Mind the Gap' which makes five recommendations to improve wellbeing in schools including:
- reviewing policies around pupil welfare;
- providing strong leadership by promoting good mental health among all pupils as well as staff members;
- training teaching professionals about how best to handle issues related to mental illness within their classrooms.
Schools play a vital role in Children's wellbeing
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has produced guidance around promoting mental health at all levels, which is designed specifically with teachers' concerns around student mental health and wellbeing.
Schools may use a variety of methods to promote student mental health, including:
- providing or encouraging students to eat nutritious school meals;
- promoting physical activities and exercise during the day;
- ensure students have access to health, mental health, and social services;
- ensuring management and leadership teams take responsibility and make time for their own emotional welfare;
- developing an understanding about how stress affects individuals so they are able to identify signs early on;
- reviewing policies concerning workloads, appraisal systems etc.
- Many schools also offer counselling services to students in need of extra support.
Here's how you can look after your own mental health at school or college:
- learn about mental health and wellbeing, including signs of stress or distress;
- look after your physical wellbeing - eat a healthy diet, have enough sleep and exercise regularly to promote clear thinking;
- develop strong relationships with perrs/teachers/college staff so you can talk through problems as they arise. This will also help build resilience which is the capacity to cope with different situations in life;
- receive support from student and staff counselling services if needed. Sessions are confidential – it's important to remember that no one has the right to judge you for what makes you feel distressed.
Mental health and wellbeing are extremely important for everyone, not just students. Teachers should take care to look after themselves too! Regularly check in with colleagues, family members or friends who understand what you do - they will be able to offer support when you need it.
If a situation does start to feel like it's too much to take on, remember that things can change quickly. You are in control of your own emotions and if something feels overwhelming, try writing down a plan of how you might deal with it – this can help keep things in perspective.
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