Teachers are becoming so affected by the pressures in their working lives that they are suffering from mental health problems, according to research set to be discussed at the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL) annual conference. Its poll questioned more than 900 school and college staff and found that more than a third reported a rise in mental health issues among colleagues in the past two years. Some 55 per cent said their job has a negative impact on their wellbeing, with 80 per cent feeling stressed, 70 per cent exhausted by heavy workloads and two-thirds experiencing interrupted sleep. However, perhaps because of stigma or fear of repercussions, 68 per cent were choosing to keep these problems a secret from their bosses. ATL general secretary Dr Mary Bousted warned: They need to be supported better, with schools and colleges making adjustments to jobs and working conditions where necessary.
Posted on: Mon, 14 Apr 2014 14:40:14 +0000