Ei-iE

Health and well-being hub

Mental health

Mental health significantly influences educators’ overall well-being and their ability to thrive in the classroom. When teachers and education support personnel experience stress, burnout, anxiety, or depression, it can affect how they perceive their own effectiveness, often leading to reduced confidence and motivation in their work. This emotional strain can make it harder to stay engaged, plan lessons effectively, and respond to students’ needs. At the same time, mental health challenges can interfere with classroom management, making it more difficult to maintain a positive and structured learning environment.

Showing 99 Resources Filtered by:

Topics: Mental health
Relevance Year

Healthy professional worker partnership: Academia case study survey findings

Research

This report explores the trajectory of 379 academic professionals from experiencing mental health issues to decisions around workplace adjustments, leave, and the return-to-work process, with attention to differences by gender and academic status. Key insights include that 60% of respondents reported a mental health issue; among those, 54% modified their work and 23% took a formal leave, of whom 83% ultimately returned, though return rates varied significantly by employment type. Women and tenure-track academics were particularly affected by increased psychological distress, burnout, and presenteeism during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Download resource in English
Publisher
Healthy Professional Worker Partnership
Country
Canada
Year of publication
2023
Region
North America and the Caribbean
Topics
Mental health Pandemics and epidemics Workload
Available in
English
Categories of staff
Researchers
Resource type
Downloadable file

Mental health: A great investment for teachers in Africa?

Webinar and conference recordings

This webinar explores systemic approaches and promising practices that strengthen mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) interventions for teachers in Africa, with the goal of improving learning outcomes. It presents key issues that teachers currently face which may impact their mental health and wellbeing, showcases evidence-based MHPSS interventions for educators, and identifies strategies for creating linkages with various stakeholders to support teachers. By highlighting the critical connection between teacher wellbeing and educational quality, the webinar promotes collaborative and informed responses across the education and mental health sectors.

Open resource in English
Publisher
UNESCO IICBA
Year of publication
2023
Region
Africa
Topics
Mental health Pandemics and epidemics Physical health
Available in
English
Categories of staff
Teachers Education support personnel School leaders
Resource type
Video

How do you stay upright?

Guides

The page offers practical advice for teachers on preventing burnout, featuring tips from educators, a supervisor, and a researcher. It highlights the importance of self-awareness, open communication with school management, and mutual support among colleagues. The page also emphasizes the need for school leaders to recognize and address teachers' concerns, provide personal attention, and create a positive work environment. Additionally, it suggests practical exercises and resources to help teachers manage stress and maintain their passion for teaching.

Open resource in English Open resource in Dutch
Publisher
Algemene Onderwijsbond
Country
Netherlands
Year of publication
2023
Region
Europe
Topics
Mental health Social emotional skills
Available in
English Dutch
Categories of staff
Teachers
Resource type
Web page

Stress

Guides

The page provides facts about stress at work, highlighting its potential to adversely affect both mental and physical health. It explains that stress can arise from various sources, including organizational changes, work overload, and relationship difficulties. The page details the physiological and psychological effects of chronic stress, such as heart disease, ulcers, anxiety, and depression. It also emphasizes the importance of employers having clear policies on stress and conducting risk assessments. Practical advice is offered for coping with work pressures, and resources are provided for further support.

Open resource in English
Publisher
Educational Institute of Scotland
Country
United Kingdom
Year of publication
2023
Region
Europe
Topics
Mental health Physical health
Available in
English
Categories of staff
Teachers
Resource type
Web page

Quality of life: A well-lived future in the present

Opinion/commentary

"Qualidade de vida: Um futuro bem vivido no presente" highlights the journey of Ney Conceição Messias Junior, a former public school teacher who transformed his life through meditation and mindfulness. At 61, Ney combines intense physical activities with his work as a gerontology specialist, advocating for successful aging and quality of life. He emphasizes the importance of mental and emotional self-care, sharing his experiences of overcoming health issues through meditation.

Open resource in Portuguese
Publisher
Confederação Nacional dos Trabalhadores em Educação
Country
Brazil
Year of publication
2023
Region
Latin America
Topics
Mental health
Available in
Portuguese
Categories of staff
Teachers
Resource type
Web page

Beyond burnout: A roadmap to improve educator well-being

Guides

The document outlines strategies to address educator burnout and improve their well-being. It highlights the importance of supporting educators through research-based strategies, professional development, and systemic changes. The report emphasizes the link between educator well-being and student outcomes.

Download resource in English
Publisher
American Federation of Teachers Educators Thriving
Country
United States of America
Year of publication
2023
Region
North America and the Caribbean
Topics
Job satisfaction Mental health Workload
Available in
English
Categories of staff
Teachers
Resource type
Downloadable file

Bargaining and advocacy tactics to support educators' mental health

Opinion/commentary

The NEA article highlights a growing crisis in education, with 55% of educators considering leaving their jobs earlier than planned, a sharp rise from 37% just months prior. The survey reveals that this trend spans all roles and demographics, with Black and Hispanic/Latino educators disproportionately affected. The pandemic has intensified long-standing staffing shortages, leaving teachers overwhelmed, covering for absent colleagues, and unable to provide adequate support to students. NEA President Becky Pringle calls it a “five-alarm crisis”, urging elected officials to take immediate action to prevent a mass exodus and ensure students receive the attention and mental health support they need.

Open resource in English
Publisher
National Education Association (NEA)
Country
United States of America
Year of publication
2022
Region
North America and the Caribbean
Topics
Mental health Pandemics and epidemics Workload
Available in
English
Categories of staff
Teachers
Specific communities
Ethnic minorities
Resource type
Web page

Social emotional health and resilience of teachers in the East European countries

Research

This study explored the social emotional health and resilience of 1,200 teachers from Latvia, Lithuania, and the Slovak Republic. Researchers assessed post-pandemic well-being across elementary, secondary, and high schools. Results showed high levels of covitality, especially in belief in self, belief in others, emotional competence, and engaged living, and moderate resilience in all three countries. Positive teacher strengths that were identified are self-regulation, empathy, cognitive reappraisal.

Download resource in English
Publisher
Human, Technologies and Quality of Education
Country
Slovakia Lithuania Latvia
Year of publication
2022
Region
Europe
Topics
Mental health Pandemics and epidemics Social emotional skills
Available in
English
Categories of staff
Teachers
Resource type
Downloadable file

Guidance note on teacher wellbeing in emergency settings

Guides

The guidance note provides strategies to support teachers' mental health and overall wellbeing in crisis contexts. It emphasizes the importance of promoting access to mental health and psychosocial support, creating enabling work environments, and enhancing teacher voice, agency, and leadership. The guidance is aligned with the INEE Minimum Standards and offers practical recommendations, tools, and examples to help educators, policymakers, and humanitarian actors improve the resilience and effectiveness of education systems in emergencies.

Open resource in English Download resource in English Download resource in French Download resource in Spanish Download resource in Arabic Download resource in Portuguese Download resource in Ukrainian
Publisher
Inter-agency Network for Education in Emergencies (INEE)
Country
Colombia Kenya Myanmar Palestine
Year of publication
2022
Topics
Leadership Mental health Safety Working conditions
Available in
English French Spanish, Castilian Portuguese Arabic Ukrainian
Categories of staff
Teachers
Resource type
Downloadable file

Supporting our mental health and wellbeing

Guides

This short film created by the teacher union EIS during Mental Health Awareness Week, features three members who share personal insights on the critical role of mental health in education. The video emphasizes how collective action through union support can lead to meaningful improvements in workplace wellbeing.

Open resource in English
Publisher
Educational Institute of Scotland
Country
United Kingdom
Year of publication
2022
Region
Europe
Topics
Mental health Physical health Working conditions
Available in
English
Categories of staff
Teachers
Resource type
Video

Anxiety, depression, and hopelessness are among the most common disorders affecting teachers, according to research

Opinion/commentary

"Ansiedade, depressão e desesperança estão entre os distúrbios que mais acometem os professores, aponta pesquisa": The article reveals that anxiety, depression, and hopelessness are among the most common disorders affecting teachers. Conducted with 714 education workers, the study highlights the impact of remote work on their emotional health, noting physical issues like vocal cord problems and repetitive strain injuries, as well as psychological issues such as chronic stress and burnout. The findings emphasize the need for better working conditions, mental health support, and the importance of addressing the root causes of these health problems rather than just treating the symptoms.

Open resource in Portuguese
Publisher
Confederação Nacional dos Trabalhadores em Educação
Country
Brazil
Year of publication
2022
Region
Latin America
Topics
Mental health
Available in
Portuguese
Categories of staff
Teachers
Resource type
Web page

Coping with death by suicide

Guides

The AFT guide offersd strategies for individuals dealing with the loss of a loved one to suicide. It addresses the complex emotions that may arise, such as grief, guilt, and anger, and emphasizes the importance of self-care and seeking support from existing networks and professionals. The guide also provides specific advice for talking to children and teens about suicide, ensuring open and honest communication while respecting their individual grieving processes.

Download resource in English
Publisher
American Federation of Teachers
Country
United States of America
Year of publication
2022
Region
North America and the Caribbean
Topics
Mental health
Available in
English
Categories of staff
Teachers Education support personnel School leaders
Resource type
Downloadable file

Suicide and crisis lifeline 988: member support guide

Guides

The member support guide provides information about the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in the US, which offers 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors via call, text, or chat for individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts, substance use issues, mental health crises, or emotional distress. The guide explains how to determine whether a situation warrants contacting 988, what to expect during the call, and how to support someone in crisis while waiting for help. It also offers advice on post-crisis care and emphasizes the importance of seeking support for oneself after assisting someone through a crisis. It is important to note that this resource is context-specific and is intended as an example to inspire the development of similar tools in other contexts.

Download resource in English
Publisher
American Federation of Teachers
Country
United States of America
Year of publication
2022
Region
North America and the Caribbean
Topics
Mental health Physical health Safety
Available in
English
Categories of staff
Teachers Education support personnel Union representatives
Resource type
Downloadable file

Restoring teacher and principal well-being is an essential step for rebuilding schools

Research

The RAND Corporation's report presents findings from the 2022 State of the American Teacher and Principal surveys, highlighting the significant challenges faced by educators. The report reveals that the well-being of teachers and principals has been severely impacted, particularly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This deterioration in well-being has led to increased intentions among educators to leave their jobs. The report underscores the necessity for comprehensive strategies to improve working conditions and provide robust support systems for educators, with a particular focus on supporting educators of color. These measures are essential for enhancing retention rates and facilitating the overall recovery and rebuilding of schools. The report calls for systemic changes rather than superficial solutions to address the root causes of educator stress and dissatisfaction.

Open resource in English
Publisher
RAND Corporation
Country
United States of America
Year of publication
2022
Region
North America and the Caribbean
Topics
Mental health Pandemics and epidemics
Available in
English
Categories of staff
Teachers School leaders
Specific communities
Ethnic minorities
Resource type
Downloadable file

Teacher wellbeing: Findings from a scoping literature review and case studies in Cambodia, Kenya, and Qatar

Research

The report presents a global exploration of teacher wellbeing, combining a systematic review of 102 academic articles (2016–2020) with original fieldwork. It includes case studies based on interviews with 90 teachers and 16 principals from high-performing schools in Cambodia, Kenya, and Qatar, along with 11 policymakers. These case studies helped infer the underlying processes that promote teacher wellbeing by analyzing participants’ reflections on their behaviors and conditions during their most fulfilling teaching experiences. The report identifies key factors that foster wellbeing, such as feeling valued, supportive environments, and emotional regulation, while also highlighting risks like burnout. Despite contextual differences, common themes emerged across countries, emphasizing the importance of supporting teachers’ mental health and professional fulfillment.

Download resource in English
Publisher
World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE) The Wellbeing Project Center for Health Policy & Inequalities Research (CHPIR) at Duke University ACE Africa Kenya Development for Cambodian Children (DCC)
Country
Cambodia Kenya Qatar
Year of publication
2021
Region
Africa Asia Pacific Arab Countries
Topics
Mental health Working conditions
Available in
English
Categories of staff
Teachers
Resource type
Downloadable file