Anonymous survey answerSurvey Nº 020

My struggles with mental health are unimaginable. Without a job or routine, I wish not to wake up most days.

Mental health without a job or routine

Published 5 October 2026 · 1 min read

Employment situation: On a supply list, no work
Sector: Primary

My struggles with mental health are unimaginable. Without a job or routine, I wish not to wake up most days.

If you are struggling, you can call Samaritans free on 116 123, day or night, or Breathing Space on 0800 83 85 87.

This is answer 20 of the 269 written answers that teachers let us quote anonymously in the Scottish Teacher Employment Survey 2026. It answers the survey’s last question: what do the people who make decisions about teacher employment need to know?

We have corrected spelling, added paragraph breaks and removed details that could identify anyone. Words in square brackets are ours.

Every answer in the report (PDF) Survey results

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