Rising Mental Health Challenges Among Educators in Japan

During a training session held in Hirakata, Osaka Prefecture, educators engaged in discussions regarding the escalating mental health problems faced by teachers. According to a recent survey conducted by the education ministry, the number of public school educators taking leave due to mental health issues reached an all-time high in fiscal 2023, marking the third consecutive year of increase. The rising numbers are particularly concerning as they involve a notable portion of young educators entering the workforce following a wave of retirements among veteran teachers.

The results of the survey, released on December 20, revealed that 7,119 educators, or 0.77 percent of the total workforce, took temporary leave for mental health reasons in fiscal 2023. This figure reflects an increase of 580 individuals from the previous year. Furthermore, when considering teachers who took paid leave for a month or longer due to mental health challenges, the total rose to 13,045, amounting to 1.42 percent of all surveyed teachers—an increase from the previous year.

Examining the demographics, young teachers, particularly those in their 20s, represented the highest percentage of leave due to mental health issues at 2.11 percent. In addition, the survey highlighted a worrying trend, with a record 788 new teachers quitting in under a year, many citing mental illness as their reason for departure. This situation sheds light on the difficulties faced by less experienced teachers who may feel overwhelmed in a challenging work environment.

An example of the stress faced by educators can be illustrated through the experience of a 27-year-old elementary school teacher. Struggling with classroom management with disruptive students, he faced increasing pressure from parents who were unwilling to acknowledge their child's behavior. This scenario, compounded by negative feedback from school administration, ultimately led him to take sick leave as his mental and physical health deteriorated.

To combat these growing concerns, education boards are implementing measures aimed at supporting teachers' mental health. For instance, Hirakata city has launched programs to raise awareness about psychological health, while Tokyo has established a hotline using the Line messaging app to provide anonymous support. Moreover, in-person consultations with clinical psychologists aim to further assist teachers needing help.

Experts like Satoru Oishi stress the significance of acknowledging the mental health struggles educators face, noting the emotional burdens they carry in caring for both their students and their families. Oishi emphasizes the need for systemic change to better connect teachers with mental health resources, advocating for a broader understanding that mental health issues can affect anyone.