The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) launches a new Free Online Support Group for Educators, Learner Support Agents and anyone working in the Education sector across South Africa who are navigating Anxiety, Burnout and emotional Stress in the workplace, says the NPO.

Nirvana, Support Group Leader anf Educator with 14 years of experience says, "Educators are dealing with increased work Stress, massive pressure and unrealistic deadlines that leave them Stressed, Anxious and Burnt Out — and so many are silently struggling. We're all dealing with Trauma from experiences at work or life itself, and I think this is something we need to talk about and support each other in a space that feels safe."

"When we take care of our educators' Mental Health, we take care of the entire school community. Teachers who feel supported and valued are better able to inspire, guide and uplift learners. Educators' Wellbeing is not a luxury. It is essential to build stronger, healthier schools," says Roshni Parbhoo-Seetha, Project Manager in Education at SADAG.

This echoes findings from the Teacher Demographic Dividend Project at Stellenbosch University, where Dr Heleen Hofmeyr, lead researcher at RESEP, notes, "Teachers are emotionally exhausted, and many feel that their Wellbeing is not prioritised by the system." According to the study, 50% of teachers surveyed said they were considering leaving the profession within the next 10 years, due to emotional exhaustion, administrative overload and lack of support as the main reasons (RESEP, 2024), says the NPO.

This Support Group aims to provide a safe and confidential space for Teachers and Educators to connect, share their experiences and learn practical coping strategies with one another. "It's difficult to pour from an empty cup," says Nirvana. "I'd like for us to help each other deal with different experiences at work and also create a safe space to share what we are going through — so that we can feel a little less alone." This free online Support Group is open to all Educators regardless of grade level, subject, or years of experience, and aims to provide peer-led support and a sense of community, says the NPO.

The free Support Group launches Online on Wednesday, 1 October at 19:00. Thereafter, the meetings will take place on the first Wednesday of every month. To join this Support Group, contact Nirvana on 081 591 0084 for details, concludes the NPO.

For more information, visit www.sadag.org.

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