TM4T Stress - WISE vs SFS Symptoms

The symptoms of WISE  - working in a stressful environment - include the following:

• long hours and heavy workload (teaching and/or administrative)

• extremely challenging deadlines and targets

• a working environment (teaching room and/or office space) which is not fit for purpose

• lack of control or involvement in curriculum choice, timetabling, class allocation etc,

• micro-management by senior staff, or excessive requests for data and information

• regular interruption or interference by others (Ofsted, LEA, leadership) in classroom

• lack of encouragement or practical support from managers, colleagues, and leadership

• lack of warmth, professional appreciation and respect from other adults

• bullying or dictatorial school governors and leadership

• friction and antagonism between colleagues, unions, parents and others

• unacceptable classroom and corridor behaviour

• personal conflict with students

• poorly defined teaching responsibilities and/or performance targets

• colleagues (teaching and non-teaching) with overlapping or unclear roles

• frequent or major changes in procedures, targets, policies, processes

• lack of communication or clear explanation of change

• lack of opportunity for personal/professional development

• incompetence of senior staff

The symptoms of SFS - suffering from stress - include the following:

• Insomnia, disrupted sleep or extremely irregular sleep patterns

• Nausea or indigestion

• Migraine or severe headache; unexplained backache or neckache

• Nail-biting, tremors, sweating or shaking

• High blood pressure

• Unhealthy and uncontrolled eating and drinking, smoking more

• Deteriorating relationships with others; mood swings, increased irritability, sensitivity to criticism and sudden anger

• Extreme lethargy or lack of energy

• Sudden anxiety or panic attacks; loss of confidence; poor concentration

• Inability or reluctance to make decisions, set priorities or manage deadlines

• Feelings of isolation or despair

• Excessive or involuntary introspection, reflection and rumination, focusing on negative outcomes and self-blame