Life-Work Balance:
Paradise Lost, Strength Gained: A Music Teacher’s Path to Mental Wellness


Raphaelita Justice


MTNA Business Digest

Volume 4, Issue 3

April 2025


Imagine waking up every morning in paradise: your gated community, a gym and other amenities just steps away and the beach only a few yards from your door. Your piano studio is filled with students, buzzing with energy. Each year, you hold your piano recital at a beach house, where after recitals families walk out onto the sand, leis around their necks, smiles wide.

Then, a few days later, your partner receives orders for deployment or a transfer, and, once again, it’s time to pack up. Saying goodbye to your students, receiving handmade gifts and heartfelt farewells and realizing, once again, you must rebuild your community—it’s draining.

This constant change—of leaving behind what you’ve built and starting over—takes its toll on more than your schedule. It impacts your mental health, emotional resilience and physical well-being.

As music educators, we often focus on helping others but neglect our own mental health. It took me years of moving, starting over and facing the challenges of military life before I realized the toll it was taking on me. The constant stress of rebuilding—of leaving communities behind and trying to connect with new ones—was overwhelming, and I had to face the fact that I couldn’t keep pushing through without support.

For many, the struggles are compounded by feelings of isolation, anxiety and the stress of constant change. Recognizing these challenges was the first step in addressing my mental health. I had to admit that I needed help. This article isn’t just about my journey; it’s for anyone who’s experienced transitions, loss and isolation in their personal or professional life. Whether you’re navigating frequent moves or managing other stressors, recognizing when you need support is crucial.

Once I acknowledged the toll of mental health struggles, the next step was finding the right support. It took several tries to find the right psychiatrist and counselor—someone who could truly understand my needs. A psychiatrist can prescribe medication, but therapy is where my real healing began.

In therapy, I realized it wasn’t just about “fixing” the problems but learning how to cope and heal. Counseling gave me the space to unpack my experiences, explore my emotions and understand the root causes of my stress. It helped me set boundaries between my personal and professional life, deal with feelings of isolation and learn to move forward.

Support groups also helped. Connecting with others who shared similar experiences offered comfort and solidarity. It reminded me that I wasn’t alone in my struggles and gave me the encouragement to keep going.

After realizing the need for support, I started incorporating self-care into my routine. It wasn’t about doing everything perfectly—it was about finding what worked and sticking with it.

Once my wife retired and we left Hawaii, the transition was difficult. Leaving behind a place I loved was harder than I expected. But as we settled into a new routine, I discovered that bike riding through my neighborhood helped me cope. Being out in nature, feeling the wind in my hair and seeing people living their daily lives brought peace. It became a way to clear my mind and find calm.

I’ve also learned that different activities work for different people. One teacher I spoke with finds comfort in walking, using it as a time to reset. Another teacher, an artist, finds solace in painting, letting her creativity flow freely without a set goal or direction. Some teachers find peace in reading or meditating—simple activities that help them slow down and refocus.

Self-care is personal; we must recognize what works for one person might not work for another—and that’s fine. It’s about discovering what helps you recharge—whether it’s physical activity, creative expression or simply taking time for yourself.

As music educators, we often take on the weight of everything ourselves—teaching, personal responsibilities and sometimes feeling isolated. But we don’t have to carry it all alone. Building a strong support system is key to maintaining our mental health and effectiveness as teachers.

Throughout my journey, I’ve found community support invaluable. Whether through friends, colleagues or connecting with others who understand the challenges of balancing life and teaching, these connections help us build resilience. As members of MTNA, we are part of a community where we can reach out for support and guidance. It’s not just about asking for help when things are tough—it’s about creating a space to share experiences, learn from each other and find comfort in knowing we’re not alone.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, I encourage you to reach out. Whether it’s talking to a fellow teacher, joining an MTNA event or group or just opening up to someone you trust, connecting with others is key to navigating the stresses of our profession. We all have unique challenges, but together we can find strength in each other and in the lessons we share.

Resources

Here are some resources to help you on your journey toward better mental health:

  1. BetterHelp
    MTNA has partnered with BetterHelp, the leading online therapy program, to provide all MTNA members with one month of free therapy (up to four live sessions per month plus unlimited texting). BetterHelp connects you with more than 20,000 therapists across the U.S. and provides services in more than 50 languages. After the free month, you can continue with BetterHelp at a discounted rate. The program is confidential, and MTNA does not have access to your personal information. To get started, visit www.betterhelp.com/MTNA.

  2. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
    NAMI offers numerous resources, including educational materials, support groups, and a helpline to help guide you through mental health challenges. Visit their website at www.nami.org.

  3. Psychology Today
    Use this website to find therapists and counselors in your area. The site allows you to filter by location, therapy type, and specialty, helping you find the right professional for your needs. Visit www.psychologytoday.com.

  4. Mental Health Podcasts
    • Therapy Chat Podcast: A podcast focused on trauma-informed therapy and other mental health topics. Visit Therapy Chat.
    • Mental Illness Happy Hour: A weekly podcast that discusses mental illness, addiction, and trauma with humor and compassion. Visit Mental Illness Happy Hour.
    • IVMF: Mondays with Maria Episode 1 The Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) offers a monthly discussion with Maria McConville on topics affecting women in the military, veterans, and military spouses. Maria discusses her experiences and offers tips for today’s women in the military. You can find additional videos on IVMF’s YouTube page.

  5. Books
    • The Gifts of Imperfection, by Brené Brown: A guide to embracing vulnerability, courage, and authenticity. Learn more at Brené Brown’s website.
    • The Musician’s Way, by Gerald Klickstein: A self-help book designed for musicians to overcome performance anxiety, improve their practice routines and build a positive mindset. This book provides a wealth of strategies for maintaining both mental and emotional health as a musician. Learn more at www.musiciansway.com.

  6. For Our Military-Affiliated MTNA Members and Their Families
    The Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) offers a variety of resources, including music-related programs that may benefit military families. Visit their website for more information.

Raphaelita Justice

 

Raphaelita Justice, co-owner of Muse Piano Academy, is a dedicated piano teacher, digital marketer and entrepreneur. Leveraging a military grant, she inspires students of all ages through empathetic, innovative in-person and online lessons.

 

 

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