What to do about teacher stress - colleague of sufferer

If you are worried that a teacher is suffering from excessive pressure leading to stress, talk to them about your concerns. Their reaction will probably be dismissive - a common strategy for trying to cope with stress is to believe there is no problem. You should try to persuade them otherwise.

One approach my be to share concerns about your own stress-related problems, so that they do not feel defensive. Try to generate a more general discussion among the staff about the problems of stress. Puncture the myth that we all have to accept stress as part of the job.

Spread the word about the symptoms of stress (especially fatigue). Probably most teachers can pick out a few symptoms but fail to see them as warnings. Draw attention to real cases of injury or ill health that resulted from ignoring similar symptoms.

Raise awareness by providing information to teachers and staff reps. Advertise this site, advertise telephone help lines, generate discussion, ask for a Health and Safety stress audit.

The more that an individual is "given permission" to be vulnerable, the more likely they are to accept that a problem exists and to do something about it. The sufferer will feel less guilt if the permission comes from several sources:

• help lines (for details see what to do)
• GP
• stress counsellor
• colleagues
• managers
• employer.

It may be that the ability to "give permission" is most easy for those at the top of the list; so the attitude of colleagues can be pivotal.