Are you able to raise your stress levels with your line manager? If you’re wondering where to start, we have put together top tips to consider if you are considering having the conversation.
Teaching is such a rewarding career, but it comes with – sometimes intense – stress. Even if you love your job, it can be tough to admit to yourself that you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed. Let alone tell your manager.
But those typically awkward and difficult conversations can sometimes be the difference between staying well enough to keep teaching, and getting burned out.
There are a couple of things you need to ask yourself;
- Do you know if your school has a clear and consistent mental health policy in place? If it does, it should outline the ‘reasonable adjustments’ and support that you’re entitled to
- Can you spot the signs of severe stress and burnout in yourself? Insomnia, irritability, loss of appetite and heart palpitations may all be indicators that your body is having to work hard to cope with the extra adrenaline in your system. If you are experiencing these symptoms, first, be kind to yourself. You’re a human, not a machine
6 Tips for having ‘the chat’ with your manager;
1. Be upfront
Often line manager meetings can focus heavily on student outcomes rather than factoring in the bigger picture. Remember, it’s okay to ask your line manager to prioritise time to talk about you. Ultimately, it will be irrelevant to talk about your students, if you are not able to look after yourself and the things you will need support with to do your job in the best way possible.
2. Be aware of the support you are entitled to
Get clued up and find out what ‘reasonable adjustments’ your manager could put in place for you before you meet. Visit the ACAS website for helpful information and ask HR for your school’s workplace policies if you don’t have a copy. Make sure you get any reasonable adjustments agreed in writing with your line manager.
3. Don’t rush it
Timing is everything – don’t be afraid to request a time of day that works for you. A conversation about mental health can be challenging and a vulnerable experience for everyone involved. Don’t try to fit it in between other meetings where you may be interrupted. Similarly, the end of the day may not be ideal if either of you need to leave promptly. Allow adequate time for the conversation; if you feel upset or distressed you need enough time to explain how you are feeling.
4. Don’t put it off
It can be tempting to put off difficult conversations at work, especially when they are related to your emotions or mental health. But, the reality is if you get help sooner you will reduce the risk of burnout and more serious health issues in the longer term. It’s also worth remembering that if you are to look after and provide the best education for your students, you have to spend time refuelling and looking after your health and wellbeing too. Make use of the support available to you when you need it.
5. Find the right place
It can be really tricky to find a quiet and private space in a busy school building. It is worth thinking about this in advance and explicitly asking for a private space to talk. It is important to know that if you are having a vulnerable conversation about your mental health, you won’t be overheard and you can have space to express your feelings without being interrupted.
6. After the conversation
After discussing any mental health issues with your line manager, you should expect them to take appropriate action to support you. Line managers have a duty of care to their teams and this should be part of a wider school culture where conversations about mental health have the same importance as those about physical health. You could draft a support plan together which outlines the support you might need and how long this is in place for. It is important that you have a regular time to ‘check -in’ with your line manager and update them on any changes to your support needs.