FACTORS THAT IMPACT ON TEACHERS’ MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL HEALTH AND COPING STRATEGIES

Abstract

The objective of this article is to investigate the factors that impact the mental and emotional health of teachers based on real evidence, as well as investigate coping strategies to minimize these impacts and propose recommendations for the implementation of practices and actions that promote a healthier work environment and support the mental and emotional health of teachers. Methodologically, the research is configured as a case study, with a qualitative approach and explanatory nature. To collect the data, a structured interview with 6 questions was used, which was carried out in November 2023 with a teacher working in a public school in the state of Mato Grosso. To analyze the data, content analysis was used as a method. As main results, it can be seen that there are numerous factors that impact the mental and emotional health of teachers, including: inappropriate student behavior, excessive workload, excessive demands and pressure for performance, lack of resources, lack of recognition and appreciation, low salaries, lack of support from the school and public policies, conflicting school environment, among others. However, there are also many strategies for coping with mental illness, such as taking care of your diet, practicing physical exercise, sleeping well, being monitored by a health professional, taking medication when recommended by a doctor, receiving support from school, taking friendships in the workplace and working as a team, among others.