3. Dealing With Mental Stress: What, Why and How

In 2021 I was Deputy Headteacher of a school, dealing with the challenges associated with COVID in the workplace, including managing staff absences. I woke up at 2am the middle of the night convinced I had had a heart attack. I stayed lying in bed, wide awake for the rest of the night. That morning, after having managed staffing for the day, I went to the doctor looking for answers. I explained what had happened. The doctor listened closely and then replied “So you want me to sign you off for stress?”