Trauma and Substance Use Among Teachers

By Rebecca Barasa

Teaching is a noble yet demanding profession that often takes a toll on teachers’ mental health. Teachers work in high-pressure environments with numerous challenges, including heavy workloads, disruptive student behaviors, large class sizes, and insufficient resources. When compounded with emotional demands, such as dealing with student crises or special needs students, these factors can contribute to trauma. Over time, this stress can lead to significant mental health issues and ultimately death by suicide.

One of the most common outcomes of trauma is burnout. Teachers experiencing burnout often face emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a diminished sense of accomplishment. This disengagement can reduce classroom effectiveness and result in absenteeism or teachers leaving the profession. The pressure to meet high expectations adds to anxiety, making teachers feel unsupported in their roles. Additionally, when teachers are faced with challenges like large class sizes, lack of professional development opportunities, unrealistic expectations by the schools, and limited resources, the emotional toll can be overwhelming leading to mental health struggles.

Anxiety can be common, especially when teachers face violence, disruptive student behaviors, or managing students with special needs. Depression often emerges as teachers feel overwhelmed and unsupported, and in extreme cases, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can develop after traumatic events such as student deaths or violent incidents. Physical health is also impacted by chronic stress, leading to fatigue, headaches, sleep disturbances, and gastrointestinal issues. Stress weakens the immune system, making teachers more vulnerable to illness. In some cases, teachers may turn to substance use as a way to temporarily relieve emotional pain, which can develop into addiction if not addressed.

To mitigate these issues, schools and educational organizations must prioritize mental well-being of their staff. They should implement supportive systems such as mental health support services and peer support groups to help teachers process their trauma and stress. Access to counseling or therapy offers teachers a safe space to talk about their struggles, while stress-relief practices like mindfulness, meditation, and yoga can help manage daily pressures. These practices promote teachers' mental health and improve their classroom presence and effectiveness.

The Ministry of Education should also provide teachers with adequate resources, including manageable class sizes, professional development opportunities, and sufficient planning time. A trauma-informed and responsive school culture where teachers feel valued and supported can help reduce stress and improve job satisfaction. Teachers should also be encouraged to set clear boundaries and make time for self-care outside of work.

Trauma is a significant concern that requires urgent attention. Supporting the mental health of teachers is essential for their well-being and for creating a more positive learning environment. By providing mental health support, fostering peer support networks, and implementing systemic changes, schools can help alleviate the impact of trauma on educators. Ultimately, the well-being of teachers directly influences the quality of education and the overall school climate.