Is teaching more stressful than other professions?

Looking at the past 12 months, you’d probably be inclined to say, “Yes, absolutely.” School closures, remote learning and staff being placed on the frontline as face-to-face teaching resumed have all put a strain on the profession.

But outside of the pandemic, how does the mental health of school staff compare with those working in other sectors? Is a teacher more likely to develop mental health problems than a healthcare worker, for example?

In the 30 April edition of Tes magazine, Zofia Niemtus looks at a newly published report on teacher mental health.

The research, funded by the Nuffield Foundation and published exclusively in Tes, looks to combine existing data from a range of surveys.

Read the report: Is teaching bad for your mental health? (free for all subscribers)

The data offers many conclusions, including a worrying finding about how stress and associated mental health problems can cluster in certain schools, suggesting decisions from leadership can be a major factor. 

So how can schools create better environments for staff? Here is some of the guidance and opinion on staff wellbeing and mental health that we’ve previously published:

Nine articles on teacher mental health and wellbeing that you need to read

1. Five ways schools can help teachers with anxiety

Anxiety affected 75 per cent of UK education staff in 2019, according to research. Primary teacher Emma Stokes gives schools and leaders five practical steps to help alleviate anxiety amongst colleagues.

2. Tips for embedding wellbeing at your school

In this international webinar, senior leader Matt Seddon explains how his school has put wellbeing at the heart of everything it does.

3. Kindness is essential for supporting school staff

Regular Tes contributor Megan Dixon explains that all leadership decisions should be made with consideration of kindness.

4. How to take negative feedback and run with it

Having an ear to the ground is essential for school leaders who want to improve staff wellbeing - as is learning how to hear the negatives and take action on them. Christian Poulson explains how to do it.

5. Why communication is the key to teacher wellbeing

Schools everywhere are still in a state of recovery, which means that life for teachers will be different and more difficult at the moment. Wellbeing expert Jo Steer explains why good communication during this time is crucial.

6. Wellbeing and international schools: the research view

Is wellbeing better or worse in international schools? Three academics look at the evidence on staff mental health and offer some solutions.

7. Wellbeing: Five ways to improve work-life balance

To promote a healthy work-life balance, school leaders need to set an example. That’s according to assistant principal Sarah Arney, who offers five tips for those looking to make positive changes.

8. Six vital wellbeing tips for teachers

After suffering a breakdown in 2017, Rhiannon Phillips-Bianco knew she needed to be more aware of her own wellbeing. Now she is a mental health curriculum lead and offers her tips for others who might be struggling.

9. What to do when you reach crisis point

This year has been tough on teachers, and sometimes it will just feel like too much. Psychotherapist and former teacher Jane Caro gives her advice for those who may be reaching breaking point.

If you or a colleague are suffering from poor mental health, you can contact the charity Education Support or call its free helpline on 08000 562 561.