May is not the month in which teachers evaluate their craft. It’s when we finish the curriculum, not rewrite it. It’s the time by which we hope to have tried out new teaching techniques, not a time when we think of more. It’s when we’re tired and longing for the summer break. It’s not when we reflect.
However, it’s also National Mental Health Awareness Month. This is a big deal for teachers. Poor mental health drives teachers out of the profession, and it damages both the happiness and the effectiveness of those who stay in it. Plenty of studies have detailed these truths. I’m not going to footnote them all, but I’ve got some for those who like footnotes[1].
So, those who want to become better teachers in May, and to remain teachers after May, may want to use National Mental Health Awareness Month as an opportunity to consider their lifestyles. I recommend the following resources:
- The Emotional Wellness Toolkit and more from the National Institutes of Health
- Some advice from the UK charity Mind
- And a bunch of resources from the World Health Organization
For me, drinking a lot of water is especially helpful. If I’m feeling stressed in the morning, I drink a 500ml bottle on my drive to work. It works like a magic potion. Regular meals and snacks also help me (and feeling “hangry” when I’ve got a sixth-grade class doesn’t). And sleep. I have no words to say how much eight hours a night keeps me together.
If you’re feeling down or anxious a lot of the time, or if you’re even a little bit inclined to harm yourself or anyone else, please talk to someone. Talk to your doctor, or text 741741 for the Crisis Text Line.
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10222360/
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