Calls to Teacher Support Line on the subject of work-related stress have risen four-fold this academic year, from 257 cases in 2003-4 to 1,025 cases in 2004-5. Teachers and lecturers who contact the free and confidential helpline say they face stress from a variety of sources – intolerable workload, lack of work-life balance, bullying and pupil indiscipline.

The increase in calls indicates that teachers and lecturers are taking pro-active steps to improve their wellbeing. Initiatives such as National Stress Awareness Day (November 2) and information and counselling services such as Teacher Support Line have raised awareness of stress to the point where teachers and lecturers no longer suffer in silence, thinking they have failed or they may face criticism from their colleagues.

Commenting on the increase in calls, Patrick Nash, Chief Executive of Teacher Support Network, said:

"Sharing experiences with colleagues often reveals a significant number of the workforce are going through similar problems, which is a good starting point for working out answers as well as a great source of relief. “At the same time, Teacher Support Network works with teachers and lecturers to find solutions to the underlying causes of stress, such as talking to senior colleagues and trade unions, as well offering supportive coaching and counselling to help the teacher cope with the effects of stress."

For National Stress Awareness day Teacher Support Network has produced two new factsheets:

• Dealing with stress
• How to Sleep well