Kaohsiung Teacher Death: Counseling Association Urges Teachers to Seek Help for Insomnia and Depression

Central News Agency, Taipei, June 2. Following the death of a teacher in Kaohsiung, teacher groups are calling for attention to the stress faced by educators. The Taiwan Counseling Psychologists Union (TCPU) reminded educators today that if they experience persistent insomnia, depression, a sense of meaninglessness in their work, or significant social withdrawal, they should utilize teacher counseling programs and seek medical attention if necessary.

A teacher in Kaohsiung recently died after falling from a building on campus, with reports suggesting they had been threatened by students. Various education groups have issued statements expressing condolences and urging society to address educator stress and campus safety.

Regarding reports on the suicide, the TCPU issued a press release urging caution, respect for privacy, and awareness of potential negative effects. The collective emotional shock caused by this incident reflects the deep-seated feelings of many educators.

The TCPU pointed out that these voices highlight the widespread pain caused by excessive complaints, strained teacher-student and parent-teacher relationships, high administrative pressure, and teacher burnout, all of which urgently require reform.

TCPU board member Chen Shao-min observed that as parental expectations rise and student behavioral issues become more complex, the pressure on classroom management and guidance has intensified.

Furthermore, due to frequent complaints from parents or students, online criticism, and investigations by school committees, some teachers have developed "Defensive Teaching" strategies—adopting conservative approaches to avoid controversy, such as lowering expectations for students and avoiding the correction of inappropriate behavior.

Counseling psychologist Chang Yu-hsuan stated that under long-term high pressure, persistent insomnia, depression, and social withdrawal are significant signs of excessive psychological burden. She encouraged teachers not to face these issues alone, urging them to use the "Teacher Counseling and Support Programs" provided by the Ministry of Education and local governments, and to seek medical help when necessary.

The TCPU proposed several recommendations: First, schools should establish crisis management SOPs led by principals to handle difficult students, clarifying parental responsibilities to prevent teachers from bearing all the burden. Second, provide substantive legal aid to teachers facing complaints. Third, reform the system to curb excessive complaints, prioritizing communication between schools and parents over litigation. Finally, strengthen the teacher mental health support system, providing sufficient resources and treating mental health care as a professional necessity.