Opening up to others, especially colleagues, can seem a daunting prospect when it comes to our mental health. The recent Teacher Wellbeing index shows that 50% of teaching staff who did talk to a colleague realised they gained a perspective on their mental health problems.
Of course, it’s not always easy and this is reflected in 29% of teaching staff who don’t open up about things that are bothering them because they are worried about the stigma attached to mental health. Nearly 50% of those who took part felt that if their school had an open culture for talking about mental health then this would lessen the stigma.
Over 2 thirds of school teachers who took part said they don’t receive guidance about mental health and wellbeing. If you feel you’re not supported, check out the resources on https://www.mentallyhealthyschools.org.uk/whole-school-approach/supporting-staff-wellbeing/ there are some great resources, for you and also your students.
If you haven’t been able to talk to someone, because potentially you don’t feel you’d get the support you need, you may be surprised to know that 64% of teachers who took part in the recent Teacher Wellbeing Index also felt like this.
How to find someone to talk to
Don’t suffer alone. If you would rather talk to someone unconnected with school, check your school’s Employee Assistance Programme or the resources from
https://www.mentallyhealthyschools.org.uk/
Alternatively, if you have a health cash plan through Eduhealth, you have access to a helpline 24/7 all year round. This helpline offers a counselling service on stress, family relationships, substance abuse and debt, along with information on a range of issues including legal, financial and medical matters. Alternatively you can access the 24/7 GP helpline and online consultation service, with additional access to an online webcam consultation available Monday – Friday, 8.30am to 6.30pm (excluding bank holidays).
If you have Private Medical Insurance through Eduhealth you also have access to Bupa’s round the clock helpline for mental health conditions. You are never alone and taking the first step to talking about your feelings might seem like the hardest step but once you’ve made that call the relief of opening up will far outweigh the nerves.
Here at Eduhealth we are always looking for ways in which we can bring health related topics and resources to you, because your health matters.
Resources
If you’d like to read all the findings in the Teacher Wellbeing Index you can download it here
https://www.educationsupport.org.uk/resources/for-organisations/research/teacher-wellbeing-index/
Mentally Healthy Schools
https://www.mentallyhealthyschools.org.uk/whole-school-approach/supporting-staff-wellbeing/
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