Tips for Teachers in Time of Disaster

Taking Care of Yourselves and Each Other

As teachers, you directly deal with our children's reactions to disaster. You may also be impacted by the disaster. It is extremely important to recognize that you, like children, are under particular stress and vulnerable to "burnout".

Burnout reactions include:

Depression, irritability, anxiety, hyper excitability, excessive rage, etc.
Physical exhaustion, loss of energy, gastrointestinal distress, appetite disturbances, hypochondria, sleep disorders, muscle tremors.
Hyperactivity, excessive fatigue, inability to express self (orally or in writing).
A slowness of thought, inability to make decisions, loss of objectivity in evaluating and functioning, external confusion, etc.

It is important to recognize these symptoms and find ways to relieve the stress. Talk to each other and share your experiences. In staff meetings, set aside time to discuss your own personal responses to the disaster and share ideas on how to assist students and parents in dealing with their responses.

Teaching is a demanding job. Learning to deal with your own responses to a disaster as well as your students' may make you feel overwhelmed at times. Taking care of yourselves and each other can help keep the stress at a manageable level.

For more information on responding to mental health needs in tapes of crises, or to find out about local mental health services, contact 1-800-789-2647.

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11/02

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