Nearly nine out of ten Australian teachers are experiencing severe stress, while almost 70% describe their workloads as unmanageable, according to new research from UNSW Sydney.
The study, the first of its kind to examine rates of depression, anxiety, and stress among Australian teachers, found that mental health issues in the profession occur at three times the national average.
Titled Teachers’ Workload, Turnover Intentions, and Mental Health and published in Social Psychology of Education, the research surveyed nearly 5,000 primary and secondary school teachers nationwide. Results showed that 90% of respondents reported moderate to extremely severe stress, and over two-thirds experienced moderate to extremely severe symptoms of depression and anxiety—more than double national averages.
“This is not just a wellbeing issue—it’s a workforce issue,” said Dr. Helena Granziera, lead researcher from UNSW’s School of Education. “Teachers are experiencing mental health symptoms at rates far above the general population, and these are closely linked to workload and intentions to leave the profession.”
Using the validated DASS psychological assessment, researchers found teachers’ scores for depression, anxiety, and stress fell within the “extremely severe” range, with depression three times and stress nearly four times higher than national norms.
Workload and Mental Health
The study identified unmanageable workloads as a primary driver of poor mental health. Teachers reporting overwhelming workloads were significantly more likely to experience depressive symptoms, which strongly correlated with their intention to leave teaching. Overall, 68.8% of teachers described their workload as largely or completely unmanageable.
“Teachers feel overwhelmed—not by teaching itself, but by the growing burden of administrative tasks, compliance demands, and excessive data collection,” Dr. Granziera explained. “These tasks reduce time for lesson planning and student engagement, leading to burnout and professional disillusionment.”
Implications for Education
These findings arrive amid a growing teacher shortage in Australia. Recent data from the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership indicates that up to 30% of teachers are considering leaving the profession before retirement. The study reinforces the urgency of the issue, showing poor mental health, particularly depression, as a major predictor of teacher turnover.
Disparities also emerged by location and gender: teachers in rural and remote areas reported higher levels of depressive symptoms, and female teachers were more likely to experience depressive symptoms and consider leaving the profession.
Recommendations for Change
The researchers call for a multi-faceted approach to support teacher wellbeing, including:
Policy reforms to reduce non-essential workload and streamline administrative tasks
School-level monitoring of teacher wellbeing and workload
Investment in flexible digital mental health programs for educators
System-wide interventions to prevent burnout and improve teacher retention
“This is one of the largest and most comprehensive studies of teacher mental health in Australia,” Dr. Granziera said. “It sends a clear, urgent message: our teachers are struggling and they need support.”
The study, conducted from October 2022 to May 2024, recruited participants via social media and the Black Dog Institute website.
Experts warn that poor teacher mental health extends beyond the classroom, affecting student achievement, classroom quality, and overall student wellbeing.
“Teachers’ mental health directly influences student outcomes, both academically and emotionally,” Dr. Granziera noted. “Improving teacher wellbeing must be a priority—not just for educators, but for the education system as a whole.”
