Managing the Mental Health of Teachers Amidst the Pandemic

Despite the pandemic and the new distance learning approach to their lessons, teachers have remained focused on supporting their students and doing their usual tasks. These tasks include making lesson plans and evaluating their students’performances.

However, teachers also have to balance their personal lives at home which includes taking care of their own families and doing household chores.

Doing all these tasks could cause teachers stress and pressure. In addition to their mountain of work, the pandemic has added to the worries of teacher s.

Thus, to avoid burnout and mental health stress, teachers need time to self-care.

More than maintaining physical health to avoid COVID-19 infection, mental health plays an important role in a teacher’s life. Teachers have to carve out some time to prioritize the other things that help them feel balanced. These things include activities like exercising, reading, journaling, meditation, or spending time doing a hobby. Self-care, which includes getting a good sleep, is very much important in maintaining the mental health of teachers.

Setting reasonable expectations for one’s self is also important in keeping teachers good mental health. Since students study online or at home using modules, teachers need to understand that they can’t be as productive as before and that’s okay. Thus, setting small realistic goals and expectations can make teachers feel more fulfilled and help maintain their mental health.

Moreover, communication is crucial for maintaining mental health. Thus, it is best for teachers to be transparent with what they are experiencing and with what things may be helpful for them. They could communicate these things to their colleagues or supervisors.

Teachers are also affected by the ongoing pandemic. But, despite the situation, Filipino educators give their best to continue teaching their students even remotely. However, teachers need to take a break once in a while, too, so they can maintain their mental health.

--oOo-The author is Teacher I at Sasmuan Elementary School