Mental Health and Teaching
Equality Conference 2013
Strand Hotel
Limerick
C.A.R.E.
Challenging taboos
Awareness Raising
Rights of Teachers as Employees
Equality
Mental Health
“a state of well-being in which every
individual realizes his or her own
potential, can cope with the normal
stresses of life, can work
productively and fruitfully, and is
able to make a contribution to her
or his community.”( WHO 2010)
Mental Health Problems
“used …. to describe the full range
of mental health difficulties that
might be encountered, from the
psychological distress experienced
by many people, to serious mental
disorders and illnesses that affect a
smaller population.”(A Vision for
Change HSE 2006)
Mental Health/Illness Continuum
Mental Health
Mental Health
Problems
Mental Illness
Incidence
• One in five people of working age
experience mental health problems
• One in four experience mental
health problems in their lifetime
• Under reporting because of stigma
How the Law Protects Us
Employment Equality Acts
 Disability one of nine grounds
 Mental health problems covered under this
ground
 Protects us against discrimination
 Teachers with mental health difficulties
entitled to ‘reasonable accommodation’
 Complaints to Equality Tribunal
How the Law Protects Us
Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act
Employer has a duty of care to employee
and is responsible for:
ensuring a safe place of work, through
the identification of risks to physical
and psychological health
taking steps to prevent ill-health at work
Employment
• Work is good for your mental health
• People with mental health difficulties
more likely to be unemployed
• Absenteeism more frequent and for
longer periods for employees with
mental health difficulties
Stigma
• Stigma, discrimination, social exclusion
major barriers
• 95.4% - some level of unfair treatment
(Amnesty 2010)
• 61% believe people with mental health
difficulties not able to participate fully
• 48% would conceal diagnosis
Mental Health & Teaching
• Salary Protection : mental illness 47%;cancer - 7%; back pain - 3%
• Higher levels of “stress, anxiety &
irritability” in health & education ( EU
OSHA)
• 45% stress - teachers,70%- Principals
(ESRI 2011)
Relevant Services
• Occupational Health Service-Medmark
- referrals
• Carecall 1800 411057 –issues include
alcohol problems,anxiety, depression,
bereavement,bullying,traumatic
events,financial/legal problems,health
concerns & stress at home or work
• Serious implications of changes in sick leave
for those with mental health problems
Promoting Mental Health
• A workplace culture where
everyone is treated with respect
and dignity and issues such as
bullying and harassment are not
tolerated will also improve the
mental wellbeing of employees
( IBEC 2012)
Promoting Mental Health
“Procedures to Minimise Stress :It is the
policy of this Board of Management that the
good practises outlined in the ‘Working
Together’ document are adopted in this
school to enhance good staff relations and
eliminate stress caused by poor
communication. Regular staff meetings and
consultation on school policies are integral to
achieving a healthy working environment.”
Steps to be Taken in the Event of an Assault
(40/97) Part of H & S Statement
Responding Appropriately
• Raising awareness & dispelling myths
• Identifying early signs of distress
• Not expected to diagnose or even fully
understand,jump to conclusions or
make assumptions
• Listen / Respect confidentiality / Ask
what would help / Encourage them to
seek help (e.g. Carecall, G.P.)
Summary
• Mental health difficulties are common
• Work can promote mental health but
work-related stress can contribute to
difficulties
• People have a right not to be
discriminated against
• Principals & colleagues should be
aware of appropriate respones