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Raising Awareness: The Mental Health Challenges Faced by Teachers and Their Rights

This article explores the urgent need to address mental health issues among teachers, emphasizing the fluctuating nature of mental well-being. With 1 in 5 people globally experiencing mental illness, and major depression being a leading cause of disability and suicide, it's crucial to break the stigma surrounding mental health. Factors such as unemployment, family issues, and a stressful workplace exacerbate these challenges. We must recognize teachers' rights under legislation to create a supportive environment that fosters mental wellness and addresses discrimination.

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Raising Awareness: The Mental Health Challenges Faced by Teachers and Their Rights

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  1. C.A.R.E. Challenging taboos Awareness Raising Rights of Teachers as Employees Equality

  2. Prevalence • Mental health a continuum –we all have varying degrees of mental health –fluctuates at different times in life • Estimated that 1 in 5 people worldwide experience mental illness in any year. • Major depression is estimated to be leading cause of suicide • Major depression is fourth leading cause of disability in the world and estimated tobecome second leading cause by 2020

  3. Precipitating Factors • Unemployment • Bereavement • Family problems • Physical illness • Economic difficulties • Isolation/Loneliness • Stressful workplace

  4. Some Signsof Common Mental Health Problems • tiredness and loss of energy • loss of self confidence and self-esteem • feeling anxious all the time • sleeping problems • poor concentration • lack of energy • loss of motivation • feelings of worthlessness • breathlessness

  5. Mental health problems/Illness Emotional/ Anxiety disorders Mood disorders Substance abuse Psychotic disorders

  6. Stigma • 50% would not want anyone to know if they were experiencing mental health difficulty ( See Change) • Lack of understanding leads to fear and lack of discussion which increases stigma • Colleagues feel awkward about expressing concern • Person with difficulty not comfortable about disclosure

  7. Stigma (cont’d) • Diagnostic titles (anxiety,depression, bipolar, schizophrenia etc) seen as lifelong labels – set people apart from society • Stigma associated with mental health difficulties almost as difficult as the experience of being unwell (Shine 2010)

  8. Rights under Legislation • Health & Safety Act –duty of care of employer to provide a safe workplace- includes minimising stress • Employment Equality Act – mental illness defined as disability – person entitled to ‘reasonable accommodation’-may not be discriminates against • Successful cases taken because of discrimination (examples)

  9. Teachers and Stress • Pace of change/perceived lack of control • Increase in workload • Lack of clarity about procedures • Lack of consultation • More demanding/aggressive parents • More disruptive pupils

  10. RTE Interview • Interview with Eileen on John Murray show

  11. Look After Yourself • Eat well • Be active • Relax • Socialise (laugh!) • Learn • Volunteer

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