Challenging student behavior, heavy workloads, low pay, and student mental health issues can greatly impact the mental wellness of teachers and school staff.
According to the National Institute of Health, the stress associated with the teaching profession can be linked to three major overlapping issues: burnout, anxiety, and depression, which have numerous effects, including an impact on teachers’ health, well-being, and productivity.
“For teachers, a new school year brings excitement but also stress. It’s important for teachers to set realistic expectations, practice self-care, and seek support when needed,” says Dr. Wendy Weinstein, Unit Chief of Psychiatry at BryLin Hospital. “A healthy teacher creates a healthier learning environment.”
The Anti-Stigma Coalition presents a Facebook Live on Wednesday, August 20 from, noon to 1 PM. The title is State of Stigma: Teachers and Staff—Build a Mental Wellness Plan for the New School Year. Panelists include Dr. Jeffrey Jachelewski, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools, North Tonawanda City School District; Melissa Walter, Director of Child and Adolescent Services, Horizon Health Services; and Dr. Wendy Weinstein, BryLin Unit Chief of Psychiatry.
As the new school year begins, create a plan for mental wellness in addition to your lesson plans.
According to The National Education Association, self-care practices are essential to maintaining mental wellness:
Prioritize self-care
Schedule the activities in your calendar
Work-Life Balance
Create boundaries between work and personal life to prevent overwork and burnout. Share them with your supervisor.
Support Systems
Take advantage of resources, mentorship programs, and opportunities for professional development and collaboration with your network and school.
Mental Health Support
Utilize counseling services, mental health resources, and workshops to build resilience and coping strategies.
Remember to check on fellow teachers who might be struggling with mental health issues. According to Mental Health America, it can be helpful to check in on each other, encourage each other to prioritize self-care, express gratitude, pay attention to non-verbal clues and lend each other support.
What can teachers and school staff do to address mental wellbeing during back-to-school season?
Mental Health First Aide suggests the following actions to ensure mental wellness.
Incorporate breathing, meditation and other techniques into your day. Mindfulness activities can help people manage stress, cope better with serious illness and reduce anxiety and depression.
Request support from administration. Schools can offer online toolkits with mental health resources, such as training, literature and surveys
Get outside. Block time before or after school to be outside, whether it’s sitting quietly or exercising.
Establish peer-support programs. Train a handful of teachers — if not all — to be leaders in the school’s mental health movement. Form support groups that can openly discuss mental health and challenges specific to the education system.
