World Mental Health Day is a reminder that mental health matters every day – including for the people who spend their working lives supporting others.
For supply teachers and support staff, working in education can be incredibly rewarding. There are few things quite like seeing a pupil gain confidence, overcome a challenge or discover something they didn’t know they could do.
But education can also be busy, unpredictable and emotionally demanding. Every day can bring new challenges, changing priorities and the need to be there for others – even when you’re having a difficult day yourself.
That’s why this World Mental Health Day, we’re taking a moment to focus on mental health in education and the importance of looking after yourself while looking after others.
Mental health isn’t just about when things go wrong
When we talk about mental health, it’s easy to think in terms of problems or crises. But our mental health is something that we all have, and it can change over time.
Just as we pay attention to our physical health, it can be useful to notice how we’re feeling mentally and emotionally.
Perhaps you’re finding it harder to switch off after work. Maybe you’re feeling more tired than usual, less motivated or more easily frustrated. You might simply feel that you’re not quite yourself.
None of these things necessarily mean that something is seriously wrong. But they can be useful reminders to pause and check in with yourself.
Looking after your mental health doesn’t have to wait until you’re struggling.
Why wellbeing matters in education
Education is a people-focused profession. Teachers and support staff spend much of their working day listening, encouraging, reassuring, communicating and responding to the needs of others.
Whilst this is one of the most rewarding parts of the job, it also means it’s easy to put your own needs further down the list.
For supply teachers in particular, every day can look different. Moving between schools, meeting new pupils and colleagues and adapting quickly to different environments can be exciting, but it can also require a great deal of energy and flexibility.
Education support staff also play an essential role in helping pupils thrive, whether they’re working in the classroom, supporting individual learning, providing pastoral support or helping schools run smoothly.
Whatever your role, your wellbeing matters too.
Small things can support good mental health
Looking after your mental health doesn’t necessarily mean making big changes. Often, it’s about finding small, realistic ways to create space for yourself alongside the demands of everyday life.
Take your breaks
When the day is busy, it can be tempting to use every available minute to catch up on work. Taking some time away from your responsibilities can give you the opportunity to reset.
Make time to switch off
Education doesn’t always stop when the school day ends. Finding something that helps you mentally move from work time to your time can be valuable, whether that’s going for a walk, spending time with family and friends, exercising, listening to music or simply doing something you enjoy.
Stay connected
A conversation with a trusted colleague, friend or family member can be helpful, particularly after a difficult day.
You don’t always need someone to solve a problem. Sometimes, simply being able to talk to someone who understands can help put things into perspective.
Notice when you’re not feeling like yourself
We all have difficult days. The important thing is not to judge yourself for having them.
If you notice that you’re feeling low, overwhelmed, anxious, exhausted or disconnected for a longer period, consider whether it might be helpful to talk to someone or access some additional support.
Reaching out isn’t a sign that you aren’t coping. Knowing when you need support is part of looking after yourself.
Useful mental health resources for educators
Education Support is a charity dedicated to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of education staff. Its website includes practical resources covering topics such as teacher stress, work-life balance, anxiety and burnout, as well as guidance around supporting colleagues.
Importantly, its free, confidential helpline is available 24/7 to teachers, lecturers and education staff across the UK on 08000 562 561.
Useful if: you’re working in education and would like to talk to someone, find practical advice or explore support around work, wellbeing or personal circumstances.
Anna Freud has a wide range of free, evidence-based mental health and wellbeing resources for education professionals.
Its resources include guidance specifically around staff wellbeing, as well as practical resources for supporting pupils’ mental health. There is also a dedicated resource on supporting staff wellbeing in schools and colleges.
Useful if: you’d like evidence-based information, practical tools or resources to support your own wellbeing and your work with pupils.
Mind provides information about mental health, accessing support and looking after your wellbeing. Its website also includes a regularly updated list of mental health helplines, online services and other sources of support.
Useful if: you’re looking for information about a particular mental health concern or aren’t sure where to find the right support.
Support from justteachers – Your dedicated justteachers consultant and wider team are always available to talk, listen and offer advice. Whether you’ve had a challenging day, want to talk something through, or simply need someone to listen, we’re here to support you.
We also provide fully funded wellbeing and resilience CPD courses for our educators, giving you the opportunity to develop practical strategies and build your confidence in looking after your own wellbeing.
Alongside this, we host termly twilight wellbeing webinars, led by our qualified in-house mindfulness and meditation teacher. These sessions provide a safe, supportive space for educators to step away from the daily demands of education, take an hour for themselves and learn practical techniques that can support their wellbeing.
Samaritans provides free, confidential emotional support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can call 116 123 from any phone, free of charge.
If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis or are in immediate danger, seek urgent help.
These services aren’t only for people with a diagnosis or a particular mental health condition. If you’re finding things difficult and feel you could benefit from talking to someone, it’s okay to reach out.
A reminder for every member of the education workforce
World Mental Health Day isn’t about suggesting that everyone working in education is struggling.
It’s an opportunity to normalise conversations about mental health and recognise that wellbeing is part of a sustainable working life.
Education is a career built around caring about other people. That’s something to be proud of.
But while you’re supporting pupils, working alongside colleagues and helping create positive experiences every day, remember to give yourself some of that same care and understanding.
You don’t have to have everything figured out. You don’t have to be having a difficult time to prioritise your wellbeing. And you don’t have to wait for things to become overwhelming before reaching out.
This World Mental Health Day, take a moment to check in with yourself.
How are you really doing?
And if the answer is “I’m doing okay”, that’s worth celebrating too.
