Mental depletion and the work of a teacher

a case study in the public-school system

Abstract

This article aims to describe and analyze the aspects that are part of the work organization of a public school, verifying its relations with the manifestations of suffering or illness of teachers who work there. An analysis of teacher’ mental health problems was made using the methodological approach proposed by Louis Le Guillant. Interviews, on-site visits and documentary research were carried out. The secondary data were treated by a documentary analysis and the primary data were treated based on content analysis. The results showed that the work organization at the school presents several factors with potential pathogenic such as poor working conditions, difficulties in the relationship with the students, lack of autonomy, problems in management, work overload, difficulty in carrying out their activities and the low value of the professional. Teachers use regulatory mechanisms to deal with difficulties; however, physical and mental symptoms have been observed among them, and most of the interviewees have become ill or are ill due to their work.