By Comfort Sena Fetrie-Akagbor, GNA
Tema, July 15, GNA – The Star Old Students Association (SOSA), Tema, has organised a mental health and stress management programme for teachers at Star Primary School to equip them with practical strategies for managing workplace stress and promoting their overall well-being.
The programme, held under the theme “Health Matters”, formed part of the association’s efforts to strengthen its relationship with the school and recognise the important role teachers play in shaping future generations.
Mr Kwadwo Owusu Baah, the Chairman of SOSA Tema, said that organising the programme was the association’s way of giving back to the teachers who had invested in the lives of former students.
He stated that it has significantly strengthened the bond between SOSA and the teachers of Star Basic School.
Mr Baah explained that the programme sought to build a culture of appreciation, care and partnership between alumni and the school’s staff while equipping teachers with practical strategies to manage stress, build resilience, recognise the early signs of mental health challenges and know when and where to seek professional help.
He observed that teachers today faced increasing workplace pressures, including heavy workloads, changing educational demands, student behavioural challenges and the need to balance their professional and family responsibilities.
According to him, prolonged exposure to such pressures could result in stress, burnout, anxiety and reduced job satisfaction, ultimately affecting the quality of teaching and learning.
He said supporting teachers’ mental and emotional well-being would enable them to build stronger relationships with learners, create positive classroom environments and deliver quality education.
Dr Eyram Mawulolo Dagadu, a radiologist at Life Healthcare Centre, speaking at the programme, urged teachers to adopt practical stress management techniques to prevent occupational burnout and other mental health challenges.
He explained that chronic stress could lead to long-term psychological and cardiovascular complications if left unmanaged and encouraged teachers to establish healthy work boundaries, take short breaks during the school day and engage in simple physical exercises to ease tension.
Dr Dagadu also advised teachers to avoid isolating themselves during periods of stress and to seek support from colleagues, family members or mental health professionals whenever necessary.
“Do quick neck rolls and shoulder shrugs at your desk to release physical tension,” he added.
He urged those experiencing persistent emotional or psychological difficulties to seek early medical attention, stressing that timely intervention could prevent more serious mental health conditions.
GNA
Edited by Laudia Anyorkor Nunoo/Benjamin Mensah
Reporter: Comfort Sena Fetrie-Akagbor, GNA
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