A recent survey conducted by NASUWT - the teachers union - has found that many teachers face severe mental health issues directly as a result of Covid-19. A shockingly high number of teachers have sought support from a doctor or medical professional since the beginning of the pandemic due to the impact it has had on their mental health.With the Covid-19 pandemic causing many people to face mental health issues like depression and anxiety, it’s no surprise to see such an impact in the education sector. Teachers have felt the stress around cancelled exams, the implementation of teacher examinations, and continuously supporting confused and worried students.If you are an overworked teacher who’s feeling like their mental health has been impacted due to Covid-19, then please keep reading. Learn more about the impact the pandemic has had on teachers’ mental health, as well as what you can do to support your health and happiness in 2021.

The NASUWT Survey

In the survey conducted by NASUWT, it was found that:

• 79% of teachers feel like their job has adversely affected their mental health in the last 12 months.
• 81% of teachers report they have experienced an increase in workplace stress in the previous year.

These percentages are enormous, suggesting that more teachers than we have considered are facing severe mental health issues like stress, anxiety and depression in the past year alone. When looking specifically at the impact of the pandemic on health and happiness, it was also found that:

• 87% of teachers have experienced anxiety.
• 79% have suffered from loss of sleep.
• 30% of teachers have increased the use of alcohol.
• 23% of teachers have taken medication to help them cope with the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
• 12% of teachers have undergone therapy for extra support.
• 9% of teachers use or have increased their reliance on antidepressant drugs.
• 7% have suffered a relationship breakdown.
• 2% of teachers have self-harmed.

Gary Upton, national executive member for Berkshire, Hampshire and the Channel Islands, said that these figures are “truly shocking” and that “some of the practices around the UK and other jurisdictions that add to increased stress and anxiety levels are unacceptable. The public deserves a world-class education system, and these practices do not promote that.“Ministers and school employers must recognise that to deliver the programme of education recovery vital for the nation’s children and young people, teacher wellbeing has to be recognised.”

Therapy for Teachers

So how can overworked and overstressed teachers find adequate support while, at the moment, the government and their employers fail in this aspect? Therapy might seem unnecessary to many teachers passing off their anxiety and depression as typical aspects of their career. However, the impact Covid-19 has had on their mental health and happiness should not be overlooked or excused. Therapy is the perfect place for people like teachers who have worked hard throughout the pandemic to find a safe space to share their thoughts, emotions and concerns and receive exceptional, expert support.Therapy can develop your awareness and understanding of mental health issues like depression and anxiety and tips to handle and overcome associated symptoms and stress. The ongoing, compassionate support is unlike anything and will be the weekly, biweekly or even monthly connection you need to see the light at the end of the path and start your journey to better mental health.If you are interested in learning more about my services as a therapist, please look at my website today. My qualifications and expert knowledge enable me to provide the support you need to address and overcome your mental health issues. Contact me today to set up a consultation so that I can understand your unique needs - without any excessive NHS waiting lists!