The psychological demands placed on lecturers and teachers have intensified, with feelings of overwhelm, anxiety, and even mild panic now recognised as more than just the “natural stress” once brushed aside. From a psychotherapy perspective, these reactions are not signs of weakness but indicators of a system under sustained pressure, often compounded by blurred boundaries, rising expectations, and reduced recovery time.

I often begin a class, whatever the subject, with an introduction that looks at the history of the discipline in relation to the significant anniversaries for that year. So, I shall be starting this year's photography classes with significant events from 1825/6, 1875/6, 1925/6, 1975/6, and 2000/1.