SENATOR Mark Villar filed a measure establishing programs and services to boost the mental health and wellness of teachers.

Senate Bill 2258 or the proposed The Teacher Mental Health and Wellness Act of 2023 seeks to strengthen the promotion and delivery of mental health services for teachers through programs and services.

Villar said teachers are considered as heroes but they can be victims too of trauma, mental and emotional fatigue.

“These may eventually have a detrimental effect on mental health. Teachers’ mental health may be impacted by a variety of variables, including heavy workload, long hours, and large class sizes,” he said in his explanatory note.

The senator said that the constant stresses might have an adverse effect on teachers’ physical and emotional well-being.

The lack of support from co-workers and government in recognizing the mental health of teachers makes it difficult for them to seek help, he added.