COVID-19 stretches psychology support for teachers

Teachers on the frontline are calling for help in unprecedented numbers as they come to terms with the impacts of the COVID-19

Queensland Teachers Union says an “unprecedented” number of calls are pouring in as teachers deal with the impacts of COVID-19. Photo istock.

THE Queensland Teachers Union says there has been “unprecedented” levels of contact from teachers dealing with impacts of COVID-19 with psychology support services  “stretched by the sheer volume of requests”

QTU president Kevin Bates said with more than 400 calls a day, teachers were using emails, phone calls, social media and web inquiries to access information about how to deal with COVID-19 related matters of “a personal and professional nature”.

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Mr Bates said while support was provided through QTU and the Queensland Department of Education’s Employee Assistance Scheme (EAS) those services were “stretched” due to the volume of requests “pouring in over the past three weeks as the COVID-19 national emergency has evolved”.

“On one day last week we had 50,000 hits on our website when the usual number is historically under 100,” Mr Bates said.

A Brisbane psychologist, who did not wish to be named, said a high number of teachers were reaching out for support over “confusion” relating to COVID-19 guidelines.

The psychologist said concerns ranged from “teachers themselves being very concerned about exposure to the virus as well as schools being overwhelmed with questions from parents”.

“Teachers had to do a lot of calming and dealing with parents who were feeling confused and angry.”

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With the “bulk of concerns” concentrated on issues “emanating from the southeast corner (of Queensland), Mr Bates said the QTU was working with Education Queensland and other unions to “support the psychological health and wellbeing of employees in schools”.

“Like so many members of the community, the events of 2020 have had a substantial negative impact on the psychological health of teachers and principals in state schools,” Mr Bates said.

“With three significant events – fires, floods and now a pandemic – teachers and principals are bound up in a cycle of managing the fears and anxieties of students, other school staff, parents and community members at the same time as practising self-care for their own psychological wellbeing.”

A Department of Education spokesman said all staff were encouraged to “visit the Staff Wellbeing page where a range of resources dealing with COVID-19 have been added to support staff in dealing with any level of uncertainty”.

“DoE continues to promote the availability of staff wellbeing support, including staff counselling, manager support hotline and critical incident response,” the spokesman said.

“And an employee assistance provider has the capacity to undertake meetings via phone and video (and) regular communication and updates are continuing with the department’s employee assistance provider LifeWorks. Lifeworks can be contacted on 1800 604 640 for any staff who requires support.”

The spokesman said additional psychological support was available for principals and school leaders through the Principal Coaching and Support Service, delivered through ‘Headspace’.

LifeWorks’ comprehensive online platform is accessible by computer and smart device (including an App for mobile phones and smart devices).

QTU President, Kevin Bates. Picture: QTU

Mr Bates said the uncertainty and rapidly changing government advice around COVID-19 had been “particularly stressful for principals who are managing a new world of education this week”.

“Principals will continue to lead their schools as next term unfolds - whatever that may look like, depending on this pandemic’s progress,” Mr Bates said.

“The QTU is working closely with all members in leadership positions in schools to support their work in leading the state education system and caring for the critical school workforce at this difficult time.”