Research shows that teachers who develop mindfulness and resilience, manage stress and build self-, social and situational awareness not only improve their own well-being but also aid the social, emotional and academic development of their students.

Teachers tend to ignore their stress and anxiety levels in lieu of their unconditional love for education and teaching children. But the gratification from teaching can sometimes come with pressure and performance management that’s always looming in a teacher’s mind.

Reasons Why Mental Health Awareness is Important for Teachers?

Direct Impact on Student’s’ Emotional State & Learning Environment

All students look up to their teachers. Children are always finding role models and people whom they want to be like when they grow up and a teacher plays a very crucial role in that.

A happy teacher exudes positivity which directly impacts the learning environment whereas presence of a  stressed teacher is likely to have a negative impact on the students’ learning environment and lead to poor student outcomes.

Effect On Personal And Professional Life

For teachers, the excessive workload of creating interactive techniques, learning to operate multiple e-learning platforms, conducting classes, grading examinations, and planning lessons usually takes a toll on their mental health. 

This can result in inappropriate anger displacement, diversion of attention, stress, & periodic anxiety . These issues trickle down to other personal aspects as well, which ultimately affects mental health.

Enhanced mental well-being ensures that teachers not only give their best to the school but also to life at home.

BENEFITS 

• Acceptance – A positive and inclusive school environment culture gives teachers the confidence to be themselves at work and feel like they belong.
• Job satisfaction – Working in a mentally healthy workplace gives teachers a greater sense of purpose, achievement, and pride in their work.
• Social connection – A supportive work environment encourages co-workers to socialise and get to know each other. 
• Better support – In a mentally healthy workplace, teachers will know how to access mental health support services if needed and feel comfortable to do so. Seeking support early leads to better mental health outcomes. 
• Role clarity – Everyone will have a clear understanding of what is expected of them in their role and why.
• Recovery –  teachers experiencing mental ill-health get better support.