C.A.R.E. o Challenging taboos o Awareness Raising o Rights of Teachers as Employees o Equality

Prevalence Mental health a continuum –we all have varying degrees of mental health – fluctuates at different times in life Estimated that 1 in 5 people worldwide experience mental illness in any year. Major depression is estimated to be leading cause of suicide Major depression is fourth leading cause of disability in the world and estimated to become second leading cause by 2020

Precipitating Factors Unemployment Bereavement Family problems Physical illness Economic difficulties Isolation/Loneliness Stressful workplace

Some Signs of Common Mental Health Problems tiredness and loss of energy loss of self confidence and self-esteem feeling anxious all the time sleeping problems poor concentration lack of energy loss of motivation feelings of worthlessness breathlessness

Mental health problems/Illness Emotional/ Anxiety disorders Mood disorders Substance abuse Psychotic disorders

Stigma 50% would not want anyone to know if they were experiencing mental health difficulty ( See Change) Lack of understanding leads to fear and lack of discussion which increases stigma Colleagues feel awkward about expressing concern Person with difficulty not comfortable about disclosure

Stigma (cont’d) Diagnostic titles (anxiety,depression, bipolar, schizophrenia etc) seen as lifelong labels – set people apart from society Stigma associated with mental health difficulties almost as difficult as the experience of being unwell (Shine 2010)

Rights under Legislation Health & Safety Act –duty of care of employer to provide a safe workplace- includes minimising stress Employment Equality Act – mental illness defined as disability – person entitled to ‘reasonable accommodation’-may not be discriminates against Successful cases taken because of discrimination (examples)

Teachers and Stress Pace of change/perceived lack of control Increase in workload Lack of clarity about procedures Lack of consultation More demanding/aggressive parents More disruptive pupils

RTE Interview Interview with Eileen on John Murray show

Look After Yourself Eat well Be active Relax Socialise (laugh!) Learn Volunteer