Sunday 23 August 2015

Managing your mental health

Exam results are in, tears, happiness, surprise and shock. (and that's just staff!)
Amongst all of this teachers across the country are gearing up to return to the classroom, some familiar classrooms and some to new sites. With that brings the excitement of new students, new expectations and new stationery (or is that just me?). However, we must also be realistic and acknowledge that with this there will be teachers already suffering from stress, depression, anxiety and other mental health concerns. Many will, like me, go undercover and be unnoticed by all bar those who really need to know.

Afraid that if we are honest people will question our ability to cope, to teach and to manage. I used to be afraid that if I admitted to mental health problems then people would judge me, find me wanting and not trust me to be promoted. This is my own fear, but that doesn't mean that it didn't impact further on my mental health.

I am really interested in hearing your stories. How have you managed or maintained your mental health in teaching? You can comment below or catch me on twitter. Thank you!