
Teaching is often lauded as a noble profession, and teachers hailed as the nurturers of the next generation. Beyond textbooks and exams, teachers are expected to impart to young minds moral skills and social skills, as well as be a point of support for the struggles that rebellious and impulsive children and teens experience. In Singapore, teachers are the ones to thank for upholding excellent academic standards in our schools.
Yet, how often do we think about the sacrifices that these teachers have made, and the toil that their work has on their mental health?
In the wake of incidents that unfolded in recent years, the spotlight on mental health of students have – rightfully – been ignited. But what about the teachers who are expected to take on the role of educator, administrator, carer, and now – counsellor?
The pandemic’s impact on teachers’ mental health
The Singapore Counselling Centre revealed sobering figures: over 80% of teachers saw their mental health deteriorating during the pandemic. Navigating new terrains of online remote learning coupled with having to react to frequent changes in government regulations contributed to immense pressure on teachers. Additional tasks like designing online classes and keeping records of students’ health meant that working more than 45 hours a week was the norm rather than the exception. For 62% of teachers, the mental toil translated into impacts on physical health, with respondents reporting ailments such as irritability, insomnia, and frequent headaches.
The source of stress for teachers in Singapore
While the pandemic had exacerbated the issue, the reality is that Singapore’s teachers are frequently overworked and burnt out – even sans pandemic.
In a study conducted by MindFi in 2021, teachers cited reasons like extended working hours, poor work-life balance, and escalating demands from parents as the top contributors to their stress. The same survey noted that 61% of teachers experienced emotional exhaustion in the leadup to a new school term.
Many teachers go into the education sector to impart knowledge and inspire lives, but are beaten and wearied by working hours from 7am to 6pm (and marking homework after hours), having to be constantly available to reply to messages from students and parents, dealing with administrative and event planning tasks, and on top of that – having to present themselves as a ‘good role model’ for the young souls they meet each day.
Mental health support for teachers
With so many factors putting teachers at risk of poor mental health, there is an urgent need to ramp up efforts to support the wellness of teachers. The focus should not be just on providing students avenue for counselling, but also for teachers.
Recently, there have been calls for teachers to receive more adequate training to manage mental health concerns in students, especially in the wake of traumatic incidents. The same should be extended to teachers – on how to manage their own thoughts and emotions, and on channels the teachers can seek help for themselves.
The hope is that one day, seeking counselling services will not be frowned upon, and teachers can do so safely without jeopardising their career. Ideally, we can also await a day where the working conditions for teachers will be eased and teachers can dedicate their hearts to their passion – teaching.
Conclusion
While we celebrate our teachers and shower them with gifts on Teachers Day, let’s not forget what they have to go through to provide our children with stellar standards of education.
To the teacher out there reading this – we are here for you. It helps to have someone to talk to about the stresses and anxiety of being in the teaching profession. If you are seeking new perspectives, or even a change in life direction, a talk with one of our mental health counsellors may benefit you. Book a chat with us and we’d be happy to match you with a counsellor!