Barely a week goes by without yet more evidence of the increasing stress levels amongst those working in education. The latest warning came earlier this month from the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) who found that almost a quarter of teachers are considering leaving the profession - a rise of 6 per cent in the past year.
Significantly though, this report also pointed to a very different and more positive result. Of those who felt well-supported, an overwhelming 90 per cent said they had no plans to leave the profession. So, with the right support in place, it seems that the trend for leaving teaching could be reversed.
Unfortunately, the friends, family and partners of those working in education can often feel that the burden of this all-important support falls on their shoulders. This means that for teachers, a problem shared is not always a problem halved, as work-related stress can impact negatively on their relationships.
How to reduce the pressure
The Education Support Partnership’s annual health survey, published earlier this year, highlighted this pressure on relationships. Of the 84 per cent of respondants who had suffered mental health problems or stress, the majority spoke only to their partner about this, rather than to their line managers. Unsurprisingly, many felt their relationships had suffered as a result.
Of course, talking to someone is important. But what can you do if sharing your concerns with your loved ones starts causing problems at home?
There are simple strategies that can prevent stress from affecting your personal life. Some strategies include:
- Building in time for exercise
- Keeping a journal
- Keeping a separation between work and your ‘real life’ by turning off your phone and email out of hours
- Embracing mindfulness and time for reflective practice
However, you may also find it helpful to speak to someone who doesn’t know you, but understands your problems - such as those who take the calls on our confidential free helpline and regularly provide practical and emotional support.
Finally, never forget that your school leadership are generally batting for your team too. Teacher recruitment has never been tougher than it is today. For a headteacher, it is much easier to assist a member of staff who is struggling than to recruit someone new.
So, however complex the problems you are facing, if you are able to speak to someone in the senior leadership team, you might be surprised by how much they can help you - and how big a difference that can make to your relationships.
Julian Stanley is CEO of the Education Support Partnership.
For help or advice, you can visit the Education Support Partnership‘s website or contact their free 24hour helpline on 08000 562 561. You can also download their free Handling Stress life guide.
