Emotional pressure rises in Schools

Teachers and principals need to be honoured especially during the COVID pandemic.

The mental health of teachers and school principals during the pandemic is of utmost importance.

Sadly, there are many today that do not fully understand the importance of mental health. It seems there is a stigma around counselling with registered therapists. Some have been raised to think that it is only the weak who go for counselling, but it is the strong individuals who are able to admit that they might need help.

Jeanette Ceronio is a well-known and respected educational psychologist at Kenmare primary school in Johannesburg. She is currently counselling parents, children and teachers as schools open slowly after the long lockdown. In our interview with her, she revealed that she is overly concerned by the amount of fear, anxiety and bullying that is a constant threat in schools now.

Jeannette says that most of the counselling after the lockdown, has been related to abuse, trauma, and anxiety. Many children also had to deal with the grief of losing family members. Public and private schools have gradually opened in various stages and they have done their best to adjust to all the new circumstances and regulations. The school staff and teachers endure daily challenges. With children still in lockdown, educators, especially in primary schools have had to develop “TV show lessons” to present their classes online and on social media platforms in a fun and visual way.

This was a great challenge especially to those who are technologically challenged, never the less, most of the teachers went out of their way to learn these new skills and they produced a few excellent (shows) to turn home school in the (new normal) as fun as can be. Parents had to develop into teachers at home and many were stretched completely out of their comfort zones as they still had full time jobs as well as the new expectation of teaching their children at home.

Most schools worked extremely hard to make up the time that was lost after lockdown and being unable to open after the planned dates in March. Up to now, it has been a major concern to try and get learners (especially grade 12) up to date with their 2020 curriculum. Pressure from personal circumstances, as well as fear for their own safety was added on to the “already difficult” teaching schedules. It is a calling to be a teacher the salary is not the defining factor.

Beside teaching, educators must deal with a basic lack of discipline among learners and sometimes also major psychological issues that children might have. Jeannette says that many of the children coming back to school are dealing with issues at home such as the loss of family members, loss of income of their parents, loss of their sporting achievements and goals as well as the uncertainty of friendships. Smaller children also struggle to adapt to the social distancing, especially the extroverts who want to touch and play with their friends. Introverts pull back even more, and this causes added stress in friendships and in classes.

Teachers are expected to be mindful of all these emotions in the kids and on top of this, they are still held responsible for the academic outcomes as educators. They are also dealing with heaps of added paperwork required from the Department of Education in South Africa. It is a miracle that so many teachers are still so positive regardless of all the pressure. Many go above and beyond to ensure that high standards are reached academically. Sadly, psychologists believe that this continued pressure will cause great harm to our educators’ mental and physical wellbeing. Measures should be implemented by the government to lighten the load and much more support should be provided by professional councillors to ensure mental health and support for teachers and school staff during this epidemic and in future.

How can we help our children cope: Jeanette urges parents to seek help for themselves as well as their children, if they experience any behavioural changes in themselves or in the children. Signs vary from person to person, but things to look out for are:

• out of the ordinary anger outbursts
• more than usual crying
• staying in their bedroom for long periods.
• children suicides have increased rapidly during the COVID lockdown and kids as young as 12 years old have been committing suicide or attempting to commit suicide.

Jeanette advises parents to be mindful of what their kids are watching online. They should focus on making their homes a safe place, refrain from speaking about the stressful situations in the country.  ONLY give the necessary and age appropriate information to the child. Parents must avoid any negative conversations around the kids where possible. Avoid constantly talking about the lack of finances.

TO DO: Find daily small things to be grateful for like blue skies and a beautiful sunrise or sunset. This will help to create a positive feeling in children instead of a feeling of loss and anxiety.

• Get 20 min of daily sunlight as this will help the body to produce vitamin D and improve your immune system. According to www.healthline.com low levels of Vitamin D has been linked to serious illnesses such as osteoporosis, cancer, depression, muscle weakness and death.
• Do some form of exercise for 15-30 min every day to increase blood circulation and increase the production of serotonin in the brain.
• Lastly, remember that no matter how bad it feels, this is a temporary situation, and it will pass. Do not allow your feelings and thoughts to determine your actions, but rather focus on being mindful of your thoughts. Fill your mind with positive reading material, prayer, and the word of God.
• Phone a positive friend or family member to help you get through your difficult days.
• Get help sooner rather than later. Have a little faith and just maybe…. tomorrow, a miracle can happen, and things could change for the better.

By: Lorna Greyling