Polish teachers face mental health crisis, expert warns

Psychologist Anna Morawska-Borowiec, president of the Twarze Depresji Foundation, has issued an alarm regarding the deteriorating mental health of teachers in Poland. She notes that educators are among the groups most vulnerable to depression and occupational burnout due to the high emotional engagement required by their profession.

Several factors contribute to this crisis, including family and financial problems, pressure from parents, and the expectation of constant availability. The COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine have further exacerbated the situation. Morawska-Borowiec also highlighted a long-standing stereotype of the teacher as a pillar of the school, which has caused many to avoid seeking psychiatric or therapeutic help for fear of being deemed unfit to educate children.

To address these issues, the Twarze Depresji Foundation has launched a helpline for teachers and the ‘Twarze Depresji dla Szkół’ training program. So far, 2,500 teachers have been trained to recognize mental disorders in students, with another 500 expected to participate in psychoeducational training this September.