JTA president urges overwhelmed teachers to speak out

Following a viral video of a teacher suffering what persons believe was a nervous breakdown, president of the Jamaica Teachers' Association (JTA), Leighton Johnson, is encouraging educators "not to suffer in silence" but to take advantage of the resources available to them.

"We know what depression can do, we know that many teachers suffer from anxiety issues. We know the stress level of the job and we continue to ask our members once they are feeling the need, speak with somebody. Once they find themselves in the position where they need assistance with their psychological state of being, they need to reach out," Johnson said.

"The JTA has in place counselling psychologists that are on call, and once teachers are willing to avail themselves, once teachers have indicated that there is a challenge, then they are able to access these counselling psychologists at the expense of the Jamaica Teachers' Association," Johnson added.

He also told THE WEEKEND STAR that in the event that teachers need additional treatment, the JTA will continue to cover the cost.

"Once a teacher requests this service then the psychologist will go through and initiate contact with the member, and if the psychologist recognises that this individual needs additional attention and treatment, then they will recommend that and the JTA will continue to undertake that cost," Johnson said.

He added that mental health should not only be prioritised on an individual level, but said teachers should also be willing to assist their colleagues who are "not operating like themselves".

"You know how bubbly or chirpy a colleague has been or used to be. If you notice any significant difference or any change in the behaviour pattern of our colleagues, do not just stay and watch. Intervene, ask questions and get help for the colleague as best as possible," Johnson said, adding that Ministry of Education and Youth also needs to do more in prioritising teachers' mental health.

"In recent times there have been a lot of awareness being brought to mental health and mental health issues. However, as it relates to specific programmes within the ministry of education to cater to those mental health issues that teachers may have, those are non-existent and I believe it is time to go in that direction," Johnson said.

"Outside of workshops to indicate that there is a priority on the teachers' mental health, the Ministry of Education could partner with JTA in undertaking some of the cost for the sessions that teachers require. The Ministry of Education could also make available other psychologists who could be stationed in the region to assist with teachers in this regard," Johnson added.