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
Stories about topical steroid withdrawal are difficult to put into context for both consumers and health professionals. The outcome is that many consumers are avoiding using topical corticosteroids, which in many cases, makes it harder to manage conditions such as eczema.
You are working in ED and have received a call from Pathology regarding blood results that you took earlier on Lauren, who is 18 years old and 30 weeks pregnant with her first child. Discover the diagnosis behind Lauren's abnormal blood results and learn the symptoms, risks, and management of this life-threatening obstetric emergency.
Jaime has suffered from severe eczema for most of his life. This podcast delves into the interactions that take place between consumers and health professionals in the eczema journey.