Coronavirus has affected all of our mental health. Even those of us who would consider ourselves resilient have felt overwhelmed at times. 

The word “coronacoaster” has been coined to describe the unpredictable highs and lows that have come with the lockdown. Teachers, as a profession, care hugely about their students and their progress, often without boundaries. Over time this can take its toll, even without other pressures.

In 2019, the Teacher Wellbeing Index reported that 72 per cent of education professionals described themselves as “stressed” and this was before anyone had heard of Covid-19. 

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As we begin the return to school, many schools are implementing policies to ensure that their staff are supported and headteachers are going the extra mile to ensure the wellbeing of their staff. 

However, what happens if you are in a school that is not as supportive when it comes to staff mental health and they are not understanding of your needs?

1. Seek medical help

You are unwell. Struggling with your mental health is not a choice. Much like physical health, while there are things you can do to boost your mental health, you cannot prevent becoming unwell and you certainly can’t “snap out of it”, as you couldn’t with flu.

The same as with a physical condition, keeping going - which is something all teachers try to do - is likely to compound the illness.

Make an appointment to see your doctor. This does not mean that you will be instantly signed off, but it will mean that your condition is recorded and that you are able to access medical support. There is no stigma in seeing the doctor and it will not affect your job.

2. Make things official with school

Talking to your school about your mental health is a really important conversation and you should feel supported throughout.

If you don’t feel that this has been the case, it is vital that you record brief notes on the conversation and that you arrange to have a further dialogue with someone more senior.

Take a colleague with you if it makes you feel more comfortable, just discuss this with the person you are meeting with first. Keep notes on all discussions you have or ask for meetings to be minuted.

3. Involve your union

Schools have a duty of care to their staff’s physical and mental health and are required to make “reasonable adjustments” to a teacher’s workload to enable them to continue to work.

If after informal discussions, you don’t feel that the school is being supportive of your current needs, then it is time to turn to your union.

The perception of unions as being forceful and militant is outdated; the purpose of the union is to work with you and the school to find a solution that is acceptable to all parties.

For many teachers, taking time off altogether is not the answer and can lead to a fear of returning. A change to required duties or a reduction in responsibilities can be enough to provide a sustainable temporary solution while you focus on rebuilding your mental health.

The unions are experienced and can provide a variety of services, from advising you over the phone to representing you in meetings to ensure you receive the best outcome for your health.

4. Seek support from occupational health

The thought of occupational health can strike fear into a teacher; however, it is a neutral body who will be able to advise both yourself and the school.

Many teachers are unaware that they can self-refer to the occupational health service, which should be viewed as supportive rather than punitive, with the aim to help you to return or continue to work while managing your mental health. It is experienced both in mental-health conditions but also in the realities of life in the classroom

Teachers are a school’s greatest asset, they should be nurtured and invested in for them to be best placed to do the job they love and, in turn, support their students effectively. A good headteacher will see the long-term benefits of a happy and healthy workforce and will make the short-term adjustments willingly.