Teachers Mental Health Amidst Pandemic

June Pearl D. Bais

All through the pandemic, teachers are making every effort that they can do to extend and to teach the Most Essential Learning Competencies. This may mean, teachers are teaching, thinking of best strategy, and continuing to work despite of the various challenges they are going through. To top of this, they also need to balance work and their personal life. With these, the teachers are drained and having problem with their mental health. To help, here are some mental health tips during this pandemic.

1. Control the controllable during the pandemic – there are a lot of things we cannot control during the pandemic, however there are also some situations that we can avoid and control. Lessen our screen time and prioritize the media you consume.

2. Carve out time for self-care to maintain your mental health – health is wealth. As busy as you are, also prioritize your physical health and by exercising and eating healthy food. Also, find time to do things that you like.

3. Model self-compassion - be kind to yourself. You always teach students to find time to relax and enjoy, but do you also do this? This time, take time to reax and enjoy by and by,

4. Be unapologetic – teachers are living in “yes” culture. They do whatever the department ask them to do. Set boundaries and set time for work and personal life. This may be hard, but it also important in maintaining mental health.

5. Reach out – if you feel that you cannot handle the situation, call or message a friend or a family member. Always remember that there are colleagues and friends that will listen and help you in this situation. Also do not be afraid to talk to professionals like your guidance counselor and seek help to a psychologist.

These are only few things that may help you during this pandemic. For more reading, you can read the 10 Mental Health Tips for Teachers During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The author

is Teacher

--oOo-

II at Angeles City National Trade School.