topic Experienced Male Primary School Teacher new job riddled with anxiety in Anxiety

Experienced Male Primary School Teacher new job riddled with anxiety

Guest_9632 — Sat, 22 May 2021 09:37:06 GMT

Hello,

So this year my family and I made a sea change and moved to a new coastal town with a new job to boot. After working for 15 years in the same school where I was very comfortable, I’m now struggling to cope with the new surrounds and routines of my new school. I’m now on anti deps, speak with a counselor and booked in for a psych (September was the earliest!)

There is no doubt the big change of moving my family into new surrounds is what’s causing this anxiety and I do acknowledge this. I just can’t help over thinking everything I do and am actually fearful of what my colleagues think. I also now work in a open classroom with 2 other classes which is so foreign to me too. I’m use to my own room with 4 walls where I’m in control and can handle the surrounds. That’s all gone now and I’m at odds with dealing with it.

At the end of the day I’m trying to get help, speak about it, my current school are supportive and I have even taken time off. But I’m still struggling to deal with the anxiety and over think so many things, especially on a Monday morning. I just don’t feel like my older self all. No doubt changing schools at the end of the year is an option but it feels so far off. I just need tips to revive the pressure and constant anxiety now.

Any advice would be invaluable. 🙂

Experienced Male Primary School Teacher new job riddled with anxiety

white knight — Sat, 22 May 2021 11:49:06 GMT

It appears you might be your own enemy. Second guessing what colleagues think is dangerous to your well being simply because you could be easily wrong. However this line of thought is akin to your current discomfort.

I'm that basis alone I'd suggest you chill and realise you fulfil a role that you are qualified to do. So, you are no less important. Besides that "home" doesn't come overnight.

My daughter was a high school teacher for 4 years. She ended up in psych care and never to work in the teaching field again. I asked her if she would have done things differently had she had her time over. She told me she accepted work from other more senior teachers that she should have not accepted (too kind), she was in a way too dedicated including not enough "me" time when not working and the last thing was that she admitted she was a chronic worrier (like her dad when younger). So her makeup wasn't ideal for the job.

With that last reason, in hindsight a job change and a return when her mind was healthier would have made all the difference.

I hope that helps. Be kind to yourself.

TonyWK

Experienced Male Primary School Teacher new job riddled with anxiety

Petal22 — Sat, 22 May 2021 12:02:13 GMT

Hello Guest 9632,

Sorry you are feeling this way...

I can understand with all the changes how your anxiety is higher than usual...... I know when I went through a lot of changes my anxiety hit an all time high.......

I had severe anxiety OCD I have now recovered from it thanks to the help of professionals....

Sorry it is going to take so long for you to see a psychologist? Is there another one in the area you can see sooner?

mindfullness is great and attention training for anxiety

eg with mindfulness..... if you are in class writing on paper... how does the paper and pen feel like? What can you hear? What can you smell? What is on the walls of the classroom... really focus on these things while doing mindfulness...

meditation is also great...

you can try to focus on your breath and slow down your breathing..

exercise is also great for anxiety.... I like to do mindfulness while out walking...

I was also put on an antidepressant to help me manage my anxiety..... these can take up to 6 weeks to work....

keep talking to people, things will improve...... stay positive..

just take it a day at a time

im here if you want to chat 😊

Experienced Male Primary School Teacher new job riddled with anxiety

Guest_9632 — Sat, 22 May 2021 21:51:50 GMT

Thanks for your responses.

I do try mindfulness, with meditation. This helps me get to sleep, but I still suffer severely from insomnia, and wake up several times a night.

Im Trying to take things day by day, it’s just I’m so exhausted. A teachers roll is relentless. Can’t switch off, at work especially in this new open space. Then things pile up, day ends, I get home to young family, dinner, then a pile of things to do such I have zero energy for.

Today, being Sunday, I’m actually going into work to try and catch up. This depresses me too though as it’s time I should be having with the family. After another restless night im also afraid of not getting this stuff done and likely to fall asleep at work.

I get that I’m catastrophising atm, I’m just so overwhelmed. I can’t seem to just stop and relax for more then 30mins, without over thinking something. I’ve been on my meds for 2 weeks.

anyway plessse continue to chat, it helps.

Experienced Male Primary School Teacher new job riddled with anxiety

white knight — Sat, 22 May 2021 22:30:01 GMT

Lack of good sleep compounds problems far more than we realise.

The first post of My thread here explains some if it

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/staying-well/a-good-nights-deep-sleep---sleep-apnea-and-cpap

And Google this please

YouTube maharaji prem rawat sunset

He has many other videos too.

TonyWK

Experienced Male Primary School Teacher new job riddled with anxiety

Petal22 — Sun, 23 May 2021 00:56:54 GMT

Good morning Guest 9632,

Hang in there....... antidepressants can make our anxiety worse in the beginning but it gets better! Give them time...... they will begin to work just wait it out roughly about 6 weeks...I remember my doctor said to me things will probably get worse before things get better.......

Maybe go back and see your gp if you need to.... even if it’s just to have a chat.......

Anxiety had me waking up through the night aswell......It improves though....

I know it’s hard...... just hang in there and keep talking...... 😊

Don’t work to hard today you can only do what you can..... give your family a hug..... when my anxiety was high just hugging those close to me helped..

min here to chat to you

Experienced Male Primary School Teacher new job riddled with anxiety

Petal22 — Sun, 23 May 2021 02:43:12 GMT

Just a little something for you guest 9632,

I am not broken
Ive learned that the struggles
in Life weren’t there to make me weak.

they actually unearthed my strength, and in the places that might have broken me I discovered courage and my heart.

sometimes it takes the challenges to show us just how amazing we already are...

my mental health journey also taught me the above...... you WILL get through this keep persevering... you sound like a very resilient person Guest 9632...... keep going and stay positive... you will grow through what you are going through 💪

here if you want to chat..

Experienced Male Primary School Teacher new job riddled with anxiety

Guest_9632 — Sun, 23 May 2021 21:02:51 GMT

Thankyou so much for your replies, they mean the world to me.

So it's Monday morning (hardest part of the week) and I've stumbled out of bed. It's cold out and sleep once again wasn't great. But I'm up and organised myself for the day last night. I tried using some magnesium tablets last night, didn't help much, but will persist. Just need to keep moving and not let my inner thoughts take over. I've also got a headache and need to drink more water.

I'm going to check this thread regularly as I've found it really does help. Getting to sleep isn't much of a problem it's just waking up throughout the night. I so crave a restless free sleep.

Anyway having a cup of tea (have discovered and drank so much of it this last 3 weeks) and then my long drive to work (30mins). Hoping for a good day. Fingers crossed.

Please keep replying. Thankyou all.

Experienced Male Primary School Teacher new job riddled with anxiety

Annas1 — Sun, 23 May 2021 22:12:41 GMT

Hello Guest 9632,

I want to add to the supportive thoughts our friends have offered and agree that you are managing this super challenging period in your life with real grace and awareness. Social/performance anxiety and insomnia are also my challenges, and I really feel for you and appreciate the physical and emotional toll they are taking. I hear you and I really understand.

I also think you might be far too hard on yourself (it goes with the territory) and consider that, under the circumstances, performing at your best is unrealistic at the moment. Not because you aren't an experienced, dedicated professional, but you are experiencing a real health crisis. Nonetheless you are doing a terrific job of applying yourself to your role as best as you can, taking measures to care for yourself, and reflecting on how to balance these two important needs. I think you are brave and very admirable.

So the task now is to keep going - whatever shape that takes. Maybe that means seeing your gp again. Maybe it means some more leave or reduced work hours. Maybe you could have an allocated mentor in the teaching group who could help with the new approach to instruction/class management? Being honest about the situation you face is important to empowering you to make the adjustments you need. We don't need to suffer unnecessarily. And kindness, hugs, the encouragement of family and friends all help me.

Stay in touch, I look forward to chatting with you again.

Annas1

Experienced Male Primary School Teacher new job riddled with anxiety

Petal22 — Mon, 24 May 2021 01:37:48 GMT

Good morning Guest 9632,

Thats great you were proactive last night and had everything ready to go this morning........

I use to write a list the night before of every thing I wanted to do the next day and cross each thing off the list as I went through my day as I did them, it kept me moving all day and I used it as a challenge... I felt really good for getting those things done while having severe anxiety I was determined not to let it beat me....

some of the things were house work

going for a walk with the family

going out for a coffee with the family

ect

Exercise is great for anxiety aswell even if it’s just a walk or jog around the block.... I like to do mindfulness while out exercising....

yes drink lots of water I think that all helps aswell.....

your sleep will improve just keep persevering...... I too woke during the night while going through anxiety... this does subside and comes back.... hang in there...

Keep looking “ beyond the struggle “ ...... things will get better.... you are doing really well for someone who is dealing with anxiety.. well done

No matter how hard it is or hard it gets you are going to make it! Stay positive and keep moving forward..... 😊

here to support and chat to you 😊

Experienced Male Primary School Teacher new job riddled with anxiety

Guest_9632 — Mon, 24 May 2021 10:46:25 GMT

Seriously, what amazing support. I'm truly blown away! Thankyou so much.

Today was an up and down day. Got going eventually, pretty flat and tired and struggled to get though the morning. In class had very low motivation, was very flat. But I kept saying to myself, sometimes you just have a bad day. Got through until lunch and felt better afterwards. Was a struggle but got through another day.

Spoke with a leadership member after school whom said he'd like to have a further personal chat about my anxiety. Really feel the support is there. My boss is stand offish but I might be over thinking that too. Principals have a very tough job, I wouldn't want it. But the deputy principal who approached me has a good lending ear. I'm looking forward to chatting with him (scheduled for Thurs afternoon).

Anyway got through the day, had a nice dinner and hung out with my young fam. About to get into bed with a cuppa and some meditation. Still going to persist with the magnesium. Hopefully a better nights sleep is on the cards. Breakfast and lunch organised for tomorrow, along with what I'm wearing. It's a planning day so hopefully is beneficial. I get anxious during these sessions but trying to approach it with a positive frame of mind.

Thanks again everyone. Please keep chatting. I feel it's a part of my arsenal now in dealing with this ongoing anxiety.

Night. 🙂

Experienced Male Primary School Teacher new job riddled with anxiety

Petal22 — Mon, 24 May 2021 15:20:52 GMT

Hi Guest 9632,

Happy to give you support:-) I believe I came through the other side of my mental illness so I could help others with theirs....

I found when I had severe anxiety the mornings were always the worst as the day progressed it get a lot better....

eventually your good days will out weigh your bad days.... I’d always tell myself tomorrow will be a better day if I was having a bad one...

im sure your work place will want to support you... I hope all goes well....

I hope your planning day goes well..... 🙂

keep pushing forward.... 💪

Experienced Male Primary School Teacher new job riddled with anxiety

Guest_9632 — Mon, 24 May 2021 21:04:51 GMT

Thankyou so much Petal22.

had another Rocky night, but was because of my kids, not the anxiety. I guess that’s a win. Slept through for 5 hours which is the longest for a while. About to get going for the day. Not feeling as anxious, just tired. Have to keep moving.

Enjoy your day and chat soon. Please keep discussions going guys, they really do help. Would love to hear from any teachers out there too.

Kind regards

Experienced Male Primary School Teacher new job riddled with anxiety

Annas1 — Mon, 24 May 2021 22:27:14 GMT

Bravo Guest_9632,

you are putting so many supportive thinking and action tools into practice. This is looking after yourself in the best way in the midst of adversity. True admiration!

Having the support of the DP will be important, I'm so pleased for you that the response you got was so positive. An experienced leader will recognise the stress involved in big changes and new roles and will provide encouragement and kindness as you persevere through the tougher times and build your confidence and ease.

May the day go well.

Annas1

Experienced Male Primary School Teacher new job riddled with anxiety

white knight — Tue, 25 May 2021 04:56:19 GMT

This thread might help

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/staying-well/the-best-praise-you'll-ever-get

TonyWK

Experienced Male Primary School Teacher new job riddled with anxiety

Petal22 — Tue, 25 May 2021 08:27:22 GMT

Hi Guest 9632,

Awesome to hear you had 5 straight hours sleep:-) That’s great you weren’t feeling to anxious this morning...

how did your day go?

Experienced Male Primary School Teacher new job riddled with anxiety

Guest_9632 — Tue, 25 May 2021 09:53:07 GMT

Thanks again everyone for the amazing responses. You feel closer to me then what you really are (physically) and it is so comforting.

Petal22, I had a pretty good day. Was tired at the start but got going. Planning day went well and I'm slowly building my confidence back. Still having my moments but they aren't happening as often.

Was a long day with meetings going until well after 5:00. Home now, had dinner by myself for the first time in a long time as my wife and kids have been out celebrating a cousins bday. So as we speak, sittin with a cuppa, listening to the rain on the roof, with morning prepared (lunch/ bfast, clothes ready). Have read over my planner for tomorrow and about to write down my list of gratitude for the day. Have been doing this before my mediation and cup of tea. Gets me to sleep really well, just hoping for a longer more restful one.

Thanks again everyone. Will check in again tomorrow. Peace and love!

Experienced Male Primary School Teacher new job riddled with anxiety

Petal22 — Tue, 25 May 2021 12:17:15 GMT

Hi Guest 9632,

Thats great that you had a pretty good day today 😊 sounds very positive! That’s wonderful that your confidence is building back up....

You will be able to look back on this time of your life, in time and see how far you have come 😊...... I believe our struggles are here to make us not break us....... we grow so much from them...

I understand how it’s nice to have a bit of time to yourself...... listening to the rain..... that’s wonderful mindfullness......

When I was going through my anxiety I’d sometimes popped down to the local cafe on my own to have a coffee..... just having that me time for half an hour really helped.....

Gratitude is great that’s great that you do that...... I also practice this every day it really puts things into perspective the simple things in life are the best ...

I hope you have a good sleep and good day tomorrow 😊

Experienced Male Primary School Teacher new job riddled with anxiety

Guest_9632 — Tue, 25 May 2021 21:01:12 GMT

So I’ve hit a wall this morning. Anxiety heightened. Over thinking things. Tired. Counting days to weekend. Really struggling. Once again a teachers life is relentless and I’ve got to put on a smile. Kids sense my anxiety too. Hope I can get through. 😮

Experienced Male Primary School Teacher new job riddled with anxiety

white knight — Tue, 25 May 2021 22:55:00 GMT

Hi guest

"Over thinking things"... that's the problem.

You're in a cyclone...need to remove that wind and turmoil.

How?. One thought at a time. One child's question at a time.

If someone expects more from you say "My other speed is slower".

Surely there is opportunity to laugh at children? Then laugh.

Play soothing music like YouTube maharaji sunset .... YouTube pan flute the Prince of Equador

chill, relax and when you do, what is the worse consequence? The world won't fall in!

Watch a new collect nectar, have a picnic on a hill at sunset and go window shopping.

TonyWK