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Work-Related Triggers of Mental Illness Relapse in South African Teachers

Author

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  • Thembi Nkomo

    (Department of Public Health, University of Limpopo, R71 Tzaneen Road and University Street, Polokwane 0727, South Africa
    Current address: Department of Occupational Therapy, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa.)

  • Mokoko Percy Kekana

    (Department of Public Health, University of Limpopo, R71 Tzaneen Road and University Street, Polokwane 0727, South Africa)

  • Mabitsela Hezekiel Mphasha

    (Department of Public Health, University of Limpopo, R71 Tzaneen Road and University Street, Polokwane 0727, South Africa)

Abstract

Teachers with mental illness are vulnerable to work-related triggers that can lead to relapse, affecting their mental health and ability to recover, stay employed, and deliver quality education. This empirical study explored such triggers among public school teachers in Limpopo Province, South Africa. Using Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory, a qualitative phenomenological design was adopted. Semi-structured face-to-face interviews were conducted with 14 participants that were purposively selected across four hospitals. Data were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using Tesch’s eight-step open-coding method. Findings revealed being gossiped about by colleagues, excessive workload, limited leadership and parental support, classroom management challenges, high performance expectations without support, and inadequate teacher mental health policies in schools. These triggers can lead to frequent absenteeism and poor teaching outcomes. They will further increase the risk of medication resistance and long-term cognitive decline due to progressive structural brain damage as a result of multiple relapses. The study highlights the urgent need for multi-stakeholder collaboration, including clinicians, academic institutions, union representatives, and the Department of Basic Education, to co-develop effective, context-sensitive strategies to mitigate work-related triggers of mental illness relapse. These strategies are not only essential for enabling long-term workforce participation but also advancing sustainable mental health and well-being.

Suggested Citation

  • Thembi Nkomo & Mokoko Percy Kekana & Mabitsela Hezekiel Mphasha, 2025. "Work-Related Triggers of Mental Illness Relapse in South African Teachers," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 22(6), pages 1-15, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:22:y:2025:i:6:p:923-:d:1676625
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Tan Fee Yean & Johanim Johari & Khulida Kirana Yahya & Tay Lee Chin, 2022. "Determinants of Job Dissatisfaction and Its Impact on the Counterproductive Work Behavior of University Staff," SAGE Open, , vol. 12(3), pages 21582440221, September.
    2. Belinda Agyapong & Gloria Obuobi-Donkor & Lisa Burback & Yifeng Wei, 2022. "Stress, Burnout, Anxiety and Depression among Teachers: A Scoping Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(17), pages 1-42, August.
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