In lieu of connecting with others and shedding light on a scary trend I'd like to explore educators health. I've read quite a few articles and social media posts lately, eluding to stress related blood pressure spikes, heart conditions, and anxiety amongst educators. I've often heard that stress can cause health concerns, but it wasn't until the school year that I realized job related stress is included in that category.
Racing heart rate, chest tightness, and eventually an elevated blood pressure should have all been signs. There are life stresses outside of work we all face, so I assumed those to be the culprits. However, taking a few days off something interesting happened. My pressure lowered, heart rate lowered, and my headaches decreased.
After reading nearly thirty other educators share similar experiences, I am left wondering a few things. How many more educators are facing career stress related health concerns? What can be done to raise awareness? How can districts begin supporting mental and physical health of their staff due to job related stress?
I am in a district that sends emails and various public announcements that make it seem as if educator health is a top priority. However, working amongst many educators, very few feel this sentiment is being followed through. We are in a trying time in the world of education with the climate having been disrupted from the pandemic.
It seems that concerns including student's academic progress and educator shortages aren't the only items looming over our education system. The teachers who have stayed true to their students and profession are now being affected. Understandably, this isn't true for all teachers. The curiosity and fear lies in not knowing how many educators' are facing job related adverse health concerns.
We must band together to ensure our educators are able to work in environments that are protective of them. There has been quite enough concern over violence toward teachers. #teacherhealth #teacherstress #teacherselfcare #jobrelatedstress