Anxiety and depression in the teaching profession isn't something that is talked about openly. Teachers don't want others to think that they don't have control or to jump to the conclusion that teaching wasn't cut out for them. Teachers wear so many hats and forget that they need to take care of themselves first in order to be the teacher they want to be.
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(Disclaimer: This post is in no way a substitute for professional medical help. Please seek help from a licensed mental health professional right away if you believe that you may be suffering from anxiety, depression or other mental health disorder.)
Here's my story. I taught middle school for eleven years and then went on to teach first grade. I already had learned about teaching upper grades and was anxious about teaching a primary grade. I had so many questions and scoured the internet the summer before, hoping it would prepare me. I felt like a first year teacher all over again. My first day was the worst. Within 15 minutes I had a student yell, "I'm bored. This is stupid!" Little did I know, I had the most challenging group of students in my first year teaching 1st grade! How was I going to do this? It was a very long year, but I got through it. It wasn't easy--late nights, long days, exhaustion to the point of tears. I felt so alone, because everyone else in the school seemed to have it all together. I'm now in my 6th year of teaching first grade and I'm alive! I survived! And I do love teaching first grade. How did I get here? I had to learn how to take care of myself.
Find others you can talk to and openly share your thoughts. Family and friends may not always understand if they are not in this same profession. There are some great Facebook groups for teachers ("teacher tribes"). They can be a wealth of support and sometimes it helps that you feel somewhat anonymous, being that they are typically closed groups.
Consider using relaxation techniques. I, personally, found that listening to ocean sounds every night when I went to bed helped a lot. There are free sounds to listen to on sites like YouTube, Pandora or iTunes. I also learned to take deep breaths, as I tend to tense up easily. Some people find exercise to be relaxing too. Make an appointment with yourself to implement the techniques that work best for you. I even spent the money to get regular massages that year. If I was having a particularly hard day, it was nice to know I already had an appointment coming up and would look forward to it!
Recognize that you may have anxiety or depression. Some teachers automatically think they are just not cut out for teaching, but that is not always the case. Most teachers have a sensitive side to them. They care so much, sometimes too much. That in itself is an overwhelming feeling. When I'm overwhelmed I cry and then get angry that I'm crying. So many emotions! It may be more than the "thing" that is overwhelming you.
Talk to your doctor. Sometimes you just can't do it on your own. Sometimes you don't know who you can talk to because you don't want them to think you aren't cut out for teaching. That in itself makes one anxious! There are supplements that may help. If need be, your doctor may prescribe something. Go in with an open mind when you talk to your physician. Sometimes our bodies and minds can't do it all on their own and need help. Take care to be sensitive to this fact. It is nothing to feel shame over.
If you or someone you know is feeling the "teaching blues", I hope this post gives you the courage to help. I'd love to know how you are doing. Visit me over on Facebook to let me know, and feel free to share in the comments below this Facebook post. In that way you are also letting others who read this know that we are not alone. We don't have to hide behind the smiles here.
Take good care,
Melissa
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