TEACHERS’ MENTAL HEALTH

DAYANA D. TOLENTINO

Teachers have a unique relationship with their young learners, and that is evident on how much they know their learners, especially their emotional state or condition. That is a critical aspect of that relationship. Thus, taking care of their mental health and wellbeing is essential as taking care of the learners’. In providing a supportive learning environment for their learners, they must also recognize their needs and find solutions to their issues. In this way, they can deal with some tougher situations appropriately. It is so vital that they must be open to discussion about their mental health. Their awareness and all related information will provide crucial messages in how to care for themselves and their students, and also to list signs to watch for in their classrooms. The key aspect of their relationship to the learners is support.

Students have different needs and others do confide to them because of trust and respect. It becomes quite difficult in situations in which simultaneous students ask for help or their concerns are too heavy to handle. Most often they expect instant or immediate pieces of advice or solutions. On balance, not all teachers are licensed or at least trained counsellor. They show care and give time and attention. We have to admit that we do not need anything more than someone who is there for them. Having an adult to talk to provides the sense of protection and security. Teachers prepare themselves to listen and to understand stories told by student-counselees. They tend to be non-judgmental showcasing patience, calmness, and acceptance. There are moments when students are reluctant to speak about their problems, for they about upsetting anyone, but they need to feel that they are doing the right thing by talking to someone. In some scenarios, more and beyond is what they do.

On the other hand, teachers must learn to assess their mental conditions also because of the high demand of this responsibility. They should know how to encourage themselves and seek help when they recognize they need it. With the assistance of a school counsellor, welfare advisor, or a trusted colleague, expressing heaviness through venting will surely help. Teachers must also reinforce positive behaviors and decisionmaking as they guide young learners towards having them. With all these and many more reasons, teachers must remind themselves that taking care of themselves is the best gift they can give to their students. Here are some ways to do it:

1.A teacher must identify his or her likes and dislikes to make himself or herself aware of his or her wellbeing and overall personality;

2.A teacher must have at least a “me” time once in a while especially in or after stressful days;

3.A teacher must stop being guilty of being himself or herself and blaming his or her mishaps and shortcomings with his or her bad day;

4.A teacher must list his or her things to be thankful for;

5.A teacher must realize his or her needs and find a confidante to vent anxieties; and 6.One of the best parts of life is learning to laugh from personal mistakes.

Teachers are heroes. The smiles they put on their faces every day is a symbol of their strength as people of service and commitment as second parents. They fight battles on their own but choose to win some more by fighting for others especially of their students. However, for teachers, the world needs you, so take of yourself as how you take care of the kids.

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THE AUTHOR IS TEACHER III AT CONCEPCION ELEMENTARY SCHOOL MEXICO NORTH DISTRICT