Exam Time and Mental Health of Teachers Post-COVID

The month of October has been declared Mental Health Awareness month in South Africa. The objective surrounding this is not only educating the public about mental health but also to reduce the stigma and discrimination that people with mental illness are often subjected to. The Coronavirus pandemic has left a massive impact on every individual when it comes to their mental health. A new report from Education Support assessing the impact of coronavirus on education professionals’ mental health found 52% of teachers felt their mental health and wellbeing had suffered either considerably or a little. 

Teachers and students were thrown into a completely unknown online world during the lockdown. Now that we are on Level 1, the stress of completing the academic school year has not diminished. Teachers and learners are heading into exams and it is of the utmost importance for teachers to keep the following tips in mind when it comes to their mental health.

• Share your feelings and communicate with trusted peers
  There is nothing like communication and talking openly about your feelings with a group of trusted individuals, whether it be friends, family, or colleagues. Everyone is going through the same struggles and have been affected by COVID one way or the other. You are never alone!

• Back to basics!
  It is so important for your mental health to always just go back to basics. Make sure veggies and healthy foods are part of your everyday diet. Get enough sleep and rather limit the glasses of wine and replace them with water.
  

• Be grateful
  In trying times, especially when you are not in the best state of mind, it is very difficult to look for the positives in your life. But wake up in the morning and be cognisant of the things you are grateful for in your life. Think about your teaching career – be grateful for the fact that you have the opportunity each day to impact a class full of eager-to-learn humans.
  

• Be kind to yourself
  Teachers have the divine opportunity to have compassion for their learners and help them grow every day. Now, more than ever, it is also important to be kind to yourself and practice self-compassion. Turn all the positives that you give, inwards. Don’t be too hard on yourself and give yourself grace if you are not having a good day. It is okay not to always be okay.
  

• Set boundaries when you are not in your classroom and working from home
  Make sure that there is a distinctive difference between your home and your work life. When working from home, set specific times until when you work and when colleagues can reach you after hours. Nothing is ever that urgent that you need to deal with it until after 22:00 in the evening, there is always tomorrow and balance is key!

Always remember to keep things in perspective. 2020 has been a rollercoaster for every single person right across the globe. The only constant right now that we can rely on is change. Embrace it, make the best of every day and appreciate what you have!