SADAG launches free online support group for educators facing burnout

The growing pressures on South African teachers have highlighted an urgent need for emotional and psychological support within the education sector. To address this, the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) has announced the launch of a new free online support group dedicated to educators, learner support agents, and anyone working in schools who are struggling with stress, anxiety, and burnout.

The initiative comes at a time when teachers across the country are dealing with increasingly heavy workloads, rising expectations, and limited resources. Support Group Leader Nirvana, an educator with 14 years of experience, stressed the importance of creating a safe environment where teachers can share openly about the challenges they face.

“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,” Nirvana explained. “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.”

SADAG’s Project Manager in Education, Roshni Parbhoo-Seetha, emphasised the wider impact of prioritising mental health among teachers. “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’ well-being is not a luxury. It is essential to build stronger, healthier schools,” she said.

These concerns are backed by research from the Teacher Demographic Dividend Project at Stellenbosch University. Dr Heleen Hofmeyr, lead researcher at RESEP, reported that “teachers are emotionally exhausted, and many feel that their wellbeing is not prioritised by the system.” Findings revealed that 50% of teachers surveyed were considering leaving the profession within the next decade, citing emotional exhaustion, administrative overload, and lack of support as key factors.

The new support group will provide teachers with a confidential space to connect, share experiences, and learn practical coping strategies. “It’s difficult to pour from an empty cup,” Nirvana added. “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.”

The free online support group will officially launch on Wednesday, 1 October 2025, at 7 pm, and will meet on the first Wednesday of every month thereafter. All educators, regardless of grade level, subject, or years of experience, are welcome to join.

For more information or to join the group, educators can contact Nirvana on 081 591 0084. SADAG also offers a wide range of support groups for various mental health issues. To explore these options, visit www.sadag.org, call 0800 456 789 to speak to a counsellor, or send an SMS to 31393 to request a call back.