In a recent article on BBC News, presenter Huw Edwards described how depression impacts his life and work. Describing it as affecting him in a “strong wave” and sometimes leaving him unable to get out of bed, it is clear that it has been a dominant feature of his life.
Those who have suffered depression will recognize this experience and the point at which pushing through a bad wave becomes impossible and life simply has to be put on hold. Taking time from the pressures of life becomes essential. Yet this is only really possible with support networks and an understanding employer. Without those, the scenario is immensely more challenging.
While clinical depression has certain characteristics, the experience each person has and the intensity felt necessarily varies. Some common symptoms may be felt, such as persistent low mood, loss of interest in the things that were once enjoyed, disrupted sleep, constant tiredness, but depression can strike in many ways so it is important to be alert to changes in ourselves and those around us.
Experiencing depression while working through a busy term can be particularly debilitating. Depression can slowly eat away at self-confidence and motivation, which can make the normal day to day demands of teaching seem like an impossible slog.
Colleagues who may be suffering from depression are going to need a sympathetic working environment. While we might be able to alleviate some of the symptoms of depression through self-care, we may not be able to avoid its onset, or a worsening of symptoms. It is essential that schools and colleges as workplaces are able to offer the reasonable adjustments that people with depression may need in order to cope with life at school. Making sure that mental health remains on the agenda in your school can really help staff to talk about how they are feeling and what they may need without fear of repercussions.
It is also important to make sure that staff have an understanding of what clinical depression is. It is not simply low mood. It can entail persistent feelings of low self-worth, isolation and a bleak view of the future. Depression can impact your physical health too.
How can we help colleagues who are struggling with depression? There are no easy answers. Some days your care and support will be a huge boost and other days it may hardly scratch the surface of the depression they are experiencing. But that is the nature of mental illness. Easy to disguise one day, impossible to hide another. When supporting colleagues, these ideas may help:
- Encourage them to seek help: it is so important to talk through feelings of depression with a qualified health care practitioner such as a GP. Teachers can also call the Education Support Partnership free of charge 24/7 and speak to someone who can help (08000 562 561 - Education Support, supporting teachers and education staff). There is also the Samaritans (you do not need to be suicidal to call – 116 123 - Samaritans | Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy | Here to listen). Just to reiterate, feelings of mental distress should also be discussed with a GP, so offering to go with a suffering colleague to an appointment can help if they are feeling apprehensive about going.
- Be a listening ear: this is about active listening, not problem solving. Listen to the concerns expressed by colleagues who may be suffering from depression. Some days they may want to talk and other days they may need silence to collect their thoughts. Either way, being there for them when possible will show that school is a supportive and understanding environment, which is essential for managing and possibly moving through a bout of depression.
- Be encouraging: Busy school days can be all-consuming. We forget, too often, to notice how our colleagues are doing and are even less likely to say an encouraging word or two to motivate them in their day when we are rushed and overburdened. This a pity. So much can be gained from boosting others – not only will they find it easier to navigate their day, but you will feel better for it as well.
- Introduce the Five Ways to Wellbeing: The Five Ways to Wellbeing are research-informed paths to boosting wellbeing. While they are not presented as a cure for depression in any way, they may help to ease the path for someone who is being treated with depression (it is always worth talking to a qualified health care practitioner if in any doubt about the suitability of any self-care measures). The Five Ways are:
- Connect: with the people around you, friends, colleagues and neighbours. Build these relationships and nurture them when you can.
- Be active: go for a walk or a run, spend time outside, cycle dance, do some gardening. Finding a physical activity that you love can be a great mental health boost. There is evidence that getting out in nature can help to improve mental health.
- Be curious: notice what is around you, for example, the changing seasons, fresh air on your face, the warmth of the sun. Be present in your day.
- Keep learning: take up a new hobby or learn how to cook a new recipe. Master the art of bread baking or take up a new instrument. Giving yourself the opportunity to do something new can be refreshing and invigorating.
- Give: this is a big ask for teachers and others working in schools as so much of the working day relies on giving above and beyond. But doing something nice for a stranger, thanking someone, smiling, giving time to your local community and so on can be rewarding and restoring.
- Normalise taking care: It is perfectly legitimate to prioritise taking care of yourself and of others. No one is claiming that it is possible to lift someone out of depression with a kind word but a kind environment at school can make depression easier to manage. There are never any rewards worth having that involve minimizing kindness in the workplace.
Find out more…
- A Practical Guide to Teacher Wellbeing by Elizabeth Holmes is published by SAGE Learning Matters
- Overview - Clinical depression - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
- 5 steps to mental wellbeing - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
About the author
Elizabeth Holmes
After graduating with a degree in Politics and International Relations from the University of Reading, Elizabeth Holmes completed her PGCE at the Institute of Education, University of London. She then taught humanities and social sciences in schools in London, Oxfordshire and West Sussex, where she ran the history department in a challenging comprehensive. Elizabeth specialises in education but also writes on many other issues and themes. As well as her regular blogs for Eteach and FEjobs, her books have been published by a variety of publishers and translated around the world. Elizabeth has also taught on education courses in HE and presented at national and international conferences.
