Page 13 - ELG1806 June Issue 458

NEWS

Cultural differences, job insecurity contracts, for example. Job health problems.
exploitative
are
There
Reacting to my research, Sarah
and poor working conditions insecurity, too, was highlighted Cooper, chief executive of English
as a major cause of stress. One
UK, said she was grateful for how
can all damage English teachers’ respondent wrote: ‘Being aware it highlighted ‘how close to home
mental health – but people still of the need to support people is these problems lie’.
a very important first step. Being
She added: ‘Our industry has
find the issue difficult to talk open to discussions and opening been through a tough time in the
past few years, which may have
discussions, so that mental health
about, writes Phil Longwell and wellbeing are not taboo, exacerbated the pressures felt
by many. We would encourage
but are a part of the day-to-day
operations of the institution. centres and their managers
Recognising that mental health to consider the mental health
is just as important as physical needs of all staff, and perhaps
health.’ Another added: ‘Abroad, to be creative around CPD
offering support for issues beyond programming so that it can
the classroom is important be used for personal as well as
to reduce homesickness – professional development.’
e.g. arranging local language It still is not common to
lessons, helping to sort out talk about poor mental health
accommodation problems. In in the workplace because of
every situation, if a school values the associated stigma and
its teachers, it should recognise the perceived reactions. This
the importance of job stability and stigma must be reduced and
guaranteed working hours.’ any discrimination challenged
Another said: ‘Don't ignore whenever possible. While
or dismiss employees' issues… I appreciate that in many
encourage support with settling international contexts this
and social activities out of work, may seem unrealistic and the
at least when teachers are new to legislation simply is not there to
a city or country. Essentially, try support employees, it does need
not to dump all responsibility on to be acknowledged before it can
teachers and just expect them to be tackled and normalised.
deal with it.’
One person was worried that too n English language teacher Phil
much focus on the psychology and Longwell is a volunteer for UK mental
wellbeing of teachers detracted health charity
wanting to be treated differently.’ the length of answers I received from the broader systemic issues Norwich Mind
Another question in my was second only to when I asked that cause poor mental health in and is a ‘Time to
research asked in what ways which factors caused stress. the first place. Change’ champion.
employers and institutions Many respondents asked for All this ‘talk’ does little to For more on Phil’s
within ELT could support their counselling in the workplace or remove the economic foundations research: tinyurl.
employees. With 466 responses better working conditions and of a wider system that exploits com/ycourt72/
and a total of over 10,000 words, pay. workers and is a cause of mental @teacherphili

SELF-CARE TIPS:

 The first step to managing anxiety-based conditions is to recognise it.
 Breathing is so natural and yet so important when it comes to dealing with anxiety or panic attacks. Anxietybc.com (tinyurl.
com/ydfcvcd3) offers some tips on how to calm and slow down your breathing. Regaining control of your breathing is the first
step to recovering from a panic attack.

 It is important to remember that looking after your physical wellbeing impacts so much on your mental state. Mental and
physical health are so intermingled. Meditation, yoga, long walks, swimming or going to the gym are all good options.

 Switch off devices. Escape during your time off. Have a hobby or activity which has no relation to work. Play. Aim for and try to
maintain a healthy work/life balance.

 There are many free resources out there for school owners, directors of studies and line managers to help with teachers who
are struggling with poor mental health issues and ways to support them. One UK-based site I recommend is Mental Health First
Aid England (mhfaengland.org).

 For more tips see Elly Setterfield’s post ‘A-Z of Self-Care for Teachers’, (tinyurl.com/yalcehaf).

n Phil will be giving a webinar workshop on mental health training for Iatefl in early July.

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