Mental disorders are the problem that most drives teachers away, but unprecedented research shows they remain motivated; and there’s everything from planners to apps to help them
After a year away from the classroom due to fibromyalgia and a severe case of acute depression, teacher Andréia Ferreira da Silva, 55, faces a gradual process of readjustment to the school environment. With a thirty-year career in state teaching, returning to teaching at a municipal school in Tiradentes Cityfar east of Sao Paulo, symbolizes the struggle shared by many teachers across the country. Teachers’ DayAn unprecedented survey also shows that despite recent and recurring challenges, Brazilian teachers remain motivated to teach.
Andréia’s adaptation reflects the difficulties teachers face on a daily basis. The stress resulting from the daily work of the profession, combined with the lack of institutional support, are factors that significantly contribute to the illness of professionals. Added to this is the complexity of school dynamics. “All the social relationships that are created outside the school explode inside. The problem is not the teaching, it is the bureaucracy, the financial issue. All this wears out and undermines the teacher’s health”, he says.
Maths teacher Simone Pereira faces a similar challenge. She has been diagnosed with panic syndrome and is also currently undergoing rehabilitation, but does not want to return to class. “Just hearing the teachers screaming in the classroom that was supposed to be mine made my chest tight.”
The mental health problem among teachers is not an isolated one. According to data published in the book Teachers’ work and health: precariousness, illness and paths to changelaunched this year, mental disorders have been the leading cause of teacher dismissals since 2018, overtaking speech problems which previously topped the statistics.
“What is most bothersome is not just the workload, but the entire context surrounding it, which includes the difficulties of daily life in the work environment,” says Frida Fischer, professor in the Department of Environmental Health at the Faculty of Public Health of the University of São Paulo (USP).
Resilience
But teachers don’t give up. Carried out by OPEE Educação, an unprecedented survey reveals that, on a scale of 0 to 10, teacher motivation reaches a score of 8.2, highlighting the positive side of the career. Among the main motivating factors, 52% cite the profession’s purpose and impact on the world, 35% say they enjoy what they do, 10% cite their expertise and only 3% see the job as simply source of livelihood.
According to Silvana Pepe, educator and director of OPEE Educação, schools are going through a significant transformation in the way they view education. “At least those who are paying attention are starting to understand the importance of working on emotional intelligence, as well as social-emotional skills and competencies.”
This transformation, however, must be accompanied by greater attention to mental health, an aspect that today permeates all areas of the educational process. In this sense, the Life Intelligence Laboratory (LIV), a national reference, is present in more than 600 schools, promoting projects that aim not only at the diagnosis of problems, but also at the development of emotional intelligence and socio-emotional skills.
An essential component of this process is teacher self-care. By learning to recognize and manage their emotions, these professionals become able to offer an educational environment that is welcoming and conducive to student development. “When the teacher takes care of himself, he is capable of actively listening and having a sensitive gaze, identifying students’ emotions and contributing to the construction of knowledge”, says Carolina Medeiros, pedagogical coordinator of LIV.
To support this practice, LIV has launched a free digital planner, which helps both teachers and students monitor their emotions and promote self-care. More than a simple organizer, the diary offers space to reflect on feelings and suggestions of well-being, promoting a healthy and conscious routine. “The tool alone will not be enough to guarantee the complete well-being of the teacher, but it is interesting to observe the repetition of emotions and allow moments of pause and reflection.”
Other solutions
Focusing on public schools, the Ame Sua Mente Institute is already working to provide education professionals with the tools necessary to prevent disorders and reduce the stigma surrounding issues such as depression, anxiety, ADHD and use of drugs. The core program is divided into seven modules, covering these topics in an accessible way, with video lessons, podcasts and lesson plans created by experts.
For Rodrigo Bressan, president of the institute, by training educators the institute contributes to the creation of a healthier and more inclusive school environment, in which students feel safe in seeking help and developing their social-emotional skills. “We want to increase the level of educator knowledge about strategies to manage, prevent and reduce the stigma of mental disorders, as well as improve the mental health of education professionals themselves.”
Another initiative of the institute is Bússola, created in collaboration with the National Center for Research and Innovation in Mental Health (CISM), which brings together researchers from UFRGS, Unifesp and USP. Created by psychiatrists, psychologists and pedagogues, it is a comprehensive resource for teachers, available online and via WhatsApp.
It offers up-to-date information and practical guidance for dealing with a range of situations, from self-harm to other mental health problems. “The idea is to offer a quick, easy-to-access resource so educators can answer questions, find strategies for dealing with different situations, and promote a more welcoming and safe school environment for everyone,” Bressan says.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
