Mental health of basic education teachers from a public health perspective
Keywords:
burnout, psychological; mental health; occupational stress; public health; teachersAbstract
Introduction: Teachers’ mental health has been increasingly affected by the psychological strain associated with the conditions under which teaching in basic education is carried out.
Objective: To analyze the mental health of basic education teachers as a public health issue.
Opinion: Teachers’ psychological strain does not stem solely from personal characteristics, but from the sustained accumulation of work-related, emotional, and administrative demands that are often normalized as part of professional practice. The emotional load associated with daily interactions with students, the extension of work beyond formal working hours, and the limited availability of institutional support contribute to a progressive form of strain that is rarely addressed in a timely manner. This situation is further intensified in rural contexts.
Conclusions: Understanding teachers’ mental health as a public health issue makes it possible to recognize its impact beyond the individual and educational spheres. Psychological strain among teachers affects collective well-being, the school climate, and the capacity of schools to fulfill a protective role. Acknowledging this dimension entails recognizing the care of teachers’ mental health as a shared responsibility and a central challenge for contemporary public policies.
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