96 per cent of teachers, school leaders and lecturers who responded to a Teacher Support Network poll say their workload has had a negative effect on their health and wellbeing. Symptoms described in the survey of e-newsletter readers include increased alcohol consumption, lack of sleep, relationship problems, overeating, under eating, stress, anxiety, exhaustion, low self-esteem and in some cases thoughts of suicide.

"I was feeling totally overwhelmed by the workload and working 60+ hours a week just to hang on by finger nails. I have actually contemplated suicide as a way out because the situation is making me so miserable" said one man who completed the poll. "Due to stress I have to take anti-depressants, I grind my teeth every night and have been diagnosed with IBS [Irritable Bowel Syndrome] - if not something more serious," explained one woman. One teacher said she was diagnosed with a permanent condition thanks to the stress of becoming a Deputy head. She will have to take drugs for the rest of her life.

Extra hours, excess paperwork, overly high expectations and unsympathetic management are listed among the reasons why the workload is so high. The problem is so bad that many are off sick from work, are considering leaving the profession or have already left.

"I am now retired having been granted early retirement through ill health. This was a direct result of excessive workload and unsympathetic management," said one respondent. "I just can't wait to retire, " added another. "I would like to teach again, but not in a school setting," said one NQT.

The problems are not just health related. Many say that their personal relationships are also affected.

"I have seen my family grow up without me" said one respondent. "It has had a serious impact on the personal relationship I have with my wife and family," complained one man.

A lot of respondents say they can feel their personalities have changes as a result of their workload, particularly men.

"There was a time when the prospect of a day spent teaching would lift my spirits," said one man. "Today, I look in the mirror and I am disgusted at what I see." "Tearful, moody, over two stone weight gain from comfort eating, always tired, apathetic, fearful for the future with the realisation that I have potentially 30 more years of this," said another man. "I was always the go to girl" explains one woman. "I rarely talk now. I cry a lot, and hug my children a lot, which to two teenage boys is not 'cool'.

A few of those who took part in the survey now discourage teaching as a career as a result of their experiences.

"I can't believe I have stayed in teaching for 13 years, because I would not recommend it" said one teacher. "I try to advise people NOT to teach nowadays. Sad!!" explains another.

Two per cent said that workload had not affected their health or wellbeing, while the remaining two per cent said they were unsure.

If you would like to talk to someone to find out how best to manage your workload, call our Support Line on 08000 562 561 (England), 08000 855 088 (Wales) or 0808 802 03 04 (Post-16 education). Or you can try these factsheets:

• Scale and impact of extra working hours and overtime
• Tips for managing your time and workload
• Work-life balance for School Leaders