Mental Health Problem Among Teachers

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32214, 5 February 1970, Page 12

Mental Health Problem Among Teachers

The problem of mental ill-health among teachers seemed to be greater in the north than in the south, said Mr M. Carson at a meeting of the Christchurch Teachers’ College Council last evening.

A report on the subject, compiled by the New Zealand Educational Institute, had been circulated to council members.

It was a difficult area to deal with and there was some doubt as to whether facilities in New Zealand were adebers, said Mr Carson. Steps were being taken by the institute to formalise procedures and this included financial help if teachers became mentally ill. There were large numbers of teachers, who required assistance, he said, and steps were being taken to prevent the circumstances arising that required help to be given.

The concern of the institute was shared by the primary division of the Teachers’ College, said the principal (Dr J. F. Mann). Teaching was a stressful occupation and there was a

necessity to reduce the pressure on the teacher. At the college child and adolescent development programmes were included, but care had to be taken to see they did not become too inward, particularly when dealing with psychiatric aspects. There was a tutorial system, a counsellor and liaison quate to deal with the num-

■ with the Student Health Seri vice at the college. Mr Carson said the report ; was written by institute memI bers in the north, where there I seemed to be more stress. “Considering the number i of counsellors used to advise teachers it would appear that ■ they are working under more strain than those in the ■ south,” he said.