The uninformed may think teaching is a cushy profession, with short working hours and a generous amount of holidays.
Think again. Educators are on duty all the time. When they are not in class they prepare lessons, mark books, coach sports teams, guide cultural groups, go on trips and attend meetings – the list is endless.
Teachers don a variety of hats and the reality is that many are not properly equipped to deal with their ever-increasing workloads. They often have to act as parents for their learners, and assume the role of social workers, friends and counsellors. This is particularly so against the backdrop of Aids and poverty.
At the same time they have to deal with their personal issues and familial commitments, and are expected to fulfill their professional obligations in what is a notoriously underpaid profession.
October is Mental Health Awareness month, which is the ideal time for teachers to take stock of their mental wellbeing.
Janine Shamof, of the South African Depression and Anxiety Group, believes it is important for educators to take control of their lives and seek help if they feel they are not coping. “The key is to not be afraid to ask for help if you feel you are not coping,” says Shamof, who is herself a former teacher.
“Unfortunately there is still this stigma that prevents lots of people, not just teachers, from getting the help they need.
“It’s seen as a sign of weakness to admit they are not coping, but this just leads to the issues being bottled up, which is not good at all.”
Shamof says teachers need a system where they can share their feelings and anxieties, whether it be chatting to colleagues about the challenges they are facing or getting professional help.
“In my personal experience, we were a staff of 70 teachers and at any one time I’d say about 25% were seeking help in some way. When I was trained there was no formal structure in place for teachers to deal with their problems, and to my knowledge this has not changed. So it’s up to teachers themselves to create their own support structures.”
So what can be done to maintain a healthy state of mind?
Recognise your strengths and weaknesses. For instance, instead of trying to do a perfect job on your own all the time, share responsibilities and delegate.
Prioritise by starting with the most important and pressing tasks. Don’t try and do everything at once.
Take time out. Start a hobby or take up physical activity to get your mind off work.
Seek help. Once you reach out, you will realise that you are not the only one facing challenges and by relating to others it will be much easier to deal with your own issues.
The South African Depression and Anxiety Group runs a schools programme that caters specifically for teachers. They go into schools for a weekly one-hour session to give teachers practical advice on stress management; time management; building relationships with their learners; and teaches them to recognise the warning signs of mental fatigue. There is a also a helpline for anybody who feels they are struggling.
For more information contact Janine Shamof at 011 2626396 or log on to www.anxiety.org.za