Teachers feel the strain of stress in the classroom

MORE than half of teachers suffer mental health problems as a result of over-work, a survey has revealed.

It found 51 per cent had depression or anxiety due to increased pressure.

Only 13 per cent had received training to identify and deal with the problem.

The survey by the Mental Health Foundation Scotland (MHFS) also found the number of children being referred to specialists for mental health problems has grown by 20 per cent since 2013.

But 71 per cent of teachers said they lacked proper training to address mental health concerns with pupils.

MHFS policy manager Toni Giugliano said: ‘It’s remarkable that, despite the growing number of children struggling to cope, mental health is still not a core part of the teacher training curriculum.

‘Understanding child brain development, emotional vocabulary, self-esteem, self-care and managing stress are not extra-curricular – they should be core to what teachers learn from day one and throughout their careers to help them perform their job.

‘Our research also shows half of teachers have struggled with their own mental health due to the pressures of their job. It’s clear investing in training will not only benefit pupils but will help teachers look after their own emotional health.

‘Young people are under enormous pressure. We need mental

‘SNP must offer proper support’

health support workers in every school.’

It is estimated 10 per cent of children and young people have a mental health problem.

MHFS has now called for mental health training to be embedded in the teacher training curriculum – a proposal backed by 92 per cent of teachers.

Scottish Tory education spokes- man Liz Smith said: ‘The SNP have been repeatedly warned about the pressures being exerted on our teachers. It’s no wonder so many are suffering health issues.

‘This survey should act as a wakeup call to the SNP that they need to start offering proper support to our teachers.’

A Scottish Government spokesman said a £250million package of support for mental health – including counsellors in schools and extra training for teachers – had been pledged by the First Minister in September.

He added: ‘We recognise the pressures and challenges facing teachers, such as those highlighted by MHFS.

‘We have taken action to reduce teacher workloads and are committed to support children’s and young people’s mental health.’