According to the 2023 State of the American Teacher Survey by the Rand Corporation, 13% of educators who responded stated that their school offered no mental health resources to teachers. This statistic, while concerning, is not surprising. 

   Data from the National Center for Education Statistics indicates that only 55% of public high schools in the US offer mental health assessments for their students, and an even smaller number provide treatment options for students diagnosed with mental health disorders. 

   With such a limited range of resources for student mental health, is it shocking that many institutions do not offer teachers the same level of support?

   An anonymous survey was conducted with educators to share their mental health experiences within the classroom. Places of employment and job titles were not included, to ensure the utmost confidentiality of respondents.

   When asked whether they feel comfortable discussing personal mental health issues with school officials or counselors, the responses were an even split. 

   An anonymous teacher stated, “In elementary and high schools, the counselors are not there for staff. They are there to service children”. With a lack of resources within the classroom for educators, do schools provide opportunities for teachers to aid their mental health in their personal lives?

   Many schools penalize their teachers for taking more than three sick days—time implemented within District contracts. This time is often used to provide teachers with the time and space to take care of their mental health concerns, yet this time is limited and extremely monitored.

   Outside resources advertised are often the most affordable and surface-level for them. This allows the institutions to window dress, claiming they are supporting mental health for students and staff while in reality trying to keep appearances. “The District “talks” about caring for our mental health, but there are plenty of punitive measures in place for small infractions that teachers can be written up for — which are outdated and unnecessary which adds to negative mental health”, explained an anonymous teacher. 

   School districts try to make themselves look better, while desperately hoping their audience never looks behind the curtain.

   Teachers are expected to be soldiers and martyrs, hiding their struggles to put on a face and give the best education to their students. While many districts cannot truly aid their educators, this does not mean that their staff cannot find ways to aid their mental health. Many respondents stated that talking to friends and colleagues improves their mental health. Others mentioned eating lunch off campus, taking walks or small breaks, and providing more time to finish things within work hours.

   One teacher brought up providing more mental health resources outside the classroom. “I think the key is to seek out mental health support that is not associated with work and then bring those skills or techniques into work, not the other way around. The best support is what comes from a social network and/or professional help outside of work hours”. 

   They elaborated, “The best thing a workplace can do, then, is provide resources so staff can find and pay for professional help as needed”. With extensive work hours, teachers cannot realistically be expected to find time to report to clinical psychologists within the building. However, by encouraging educators to find outside mental health resources and covering these within their insurance, a better work-life balance and environment can be achieved. 

   This article marks the end of the Shattering Stigma series, but not the conversation about mental health. Mental health and mental illness are real and ever-present, and it is so important to know the signs and symptoms to help yourself and others in need.

   No one should feel alone, unseen, unheard, or invalid in what they are feeling and going through. There are so many resources available within the community to aid those who are struggling with mental health. If you are struggling, do not be afraid to reach out for help. It only takes one small step to get the support you need.