Schools and teachers were the backbone of the community during this time, allowing other families to continue working and provide essential services.
The Forgotten Frontline:
We do not really know how teachers were affected by COVID-19 and how they have been coping. We addressed this in an article recently published in Australasian Psychiatry. In summary, early research shows two patterns:
These results are concerning, and a spotlight must now be turned to the teaching community.
Focusing on teacher mental health is not only necessary to secure the teaching workforce into the future, but to also protect and support the healthy development of their students.
To help address the mental health of teachers, we recommend:
Effective change is needed at multiple levels, with support from Education Departments, school leadership, and communities alike.
Get involved:
Our team at the Black Dog Institute recognise that supporting Australian teachers is vitally important. We are currently developing a mental health program for teachers, with teachers at the centre of the process guiding what needs to be done and how. If you are interested in finding out more or want to be involved, please contact j.beames@blackdog.org.au.
Dr Joanne Beames, is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow and Clinical Psychology Registrar, Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales
Have you ever been on your way to work and asked yourself “I don’t really feel well . . . should I really be working clinically today” – and yet still turned up and completed a full day’s work?
*In April 2021, approximately 619,000 older Australians (aged 65 and over) were employed in the labour force", and at 66 years, I’m proud to be included in this statistic. By Tessa Moriarty
For as long as I have been in practice (and that’s a long time!) I have done my best to avoid looking after old people.