Experienced Male Primary School Teacher new job riddled with anxiety

[Guest_9632]

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. 🙂

[Guest_9632]

Hi everyone. Thankyou so much for your wonderful replies. They really do make me emotional and in a good way. They've definitely become one of my coping mechanism during this challenging time and genuinely help. They mean the world to me.

I've had an okay couple of days with mornings still being the challenge. The early start to work a couple of days ago was done but was very overwhelming. Mainly because it was 'planning' day, the day I probably get most anxious about (but...gave it a go). Arrived at work before dawn, something I use to really enjoy doing at my old job. But I found myself really uncomfortable, trying to get things done, but still stressing about how planning will go. Well... in the end planning did go well and once again I was just over analysing things. I'm starting to realise it is just time and experience that will make me feel comfortable in my new surroundings and new way of working at my new school. A long way to go still, but slowly getting there.

Anyway had a lovely night tonight celebrating my youngest's 2nd bday. After initially being very frustrated tonight (was kept back at work doing things that I never usually have to do) until well after the time I expected, I eventually got home and had some fun with my girls. Made me really step back and enjoy my new life with my beautiful young family.

Anyway looking forward to the long weekend. Still have a lot of work to do but not as stressed about it. It will get done and will turn out okay. Have to keep doing the little things well, meditating, exercise, being thankful for the little things, including all of you who share your thoughts and experiences here. xo

Enjoy the long weekend everyone. Please don't be a stranger.

Pat

[white knight]

Thanks for your update Pat.

Something to ponder on-

"Life is not smooth, especially tomorrow"

"When we expect a rocky road we modify our vehicle to cope with it"

Here is the link to quotes

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/bb-social-zone/quotes-that-i-like

TonyWK

[Petal22]

Hi Pat,

In time every thing will settle down for you, you will feel more relaxed in your new surroundings... mornings are usually the worst with anxiety but the up side is knowing as the day progresses it will get better... ( mornings were the worst for me too)

Wonderful your child’s 2 nd birthday..., how beautiful.... “ happy birthday “...... 🥳

Keep up the great work 😊

[Petal22]

Hi Pat,

Just checking in with you….

I hope everything is going well 😊

[Guest_9632]

Hey Petal22, sorry for the late response.

So it's fair to say that I've turned the corner and feeling much much better. Not out of the woods yet and not taking anything for granted but I do feel a lot more comfortable in my own surroundings especilly at school. I think the anti depressants are finally weaving their magic and I think it's just time (like you said) that has made me feel comfortable. I'm still making sure to meditate daily and keep touching base wiht my counsellor.

I'm also so grateful for the saying (and White knight I hope you like this) in that:

"time heals all wounds"

One week to go unitl holidays. The big thing too is the last couple of weeks have probably been the most stressful as a teacher because of report writing, parent teacher and very long hours, but the difference is I'm stressed and not anxious. Stress comes with the job and is able to be managed much easier then anxiety, well i think it is. Some have asked the difference between the two and I think stress is when you have out sources that contribute that's out of your control and anxiety is when you just over think everything. Anyway I'm seeing this as a positive and cannot wait to go away with the fam, finally enjoy our new home by the beach properly and most of all do nothing!

I'm going to keep touvhing base and have promoted this forum to everyone I know. Petall22 you have been a beacon of hope for me during a very dark period. I hope your anxiety is kept at bay and I hope you have people around you that treat you right. You deserve that.

Anyway peace out (for now) everybody and i look forward to touching base soon. It's improtant to talk even during the good times and I'm certain there will be many of those in the days, weeks and years to come.

Peace and Love

-Pat

[white knight]

Pat, thankyou for your feedback.

TonyWK

[Petal22]

Hi Pat,

That’s great news! I’m so glad you are feeling a lot better……. Wonderful I’m so happy to hear that……… “ You should be so proud of how far you have come”….. you really are a resilient person….

Sounds like a great plan to meditate every day and touch base with your councillor…..

I totally agree with you time does heal all wounds….

im glad you are feeling more comfortable in your new school I’m sure everything will keep improving…

Thank you so much for your kind words to me, I’m so glad that I have given you HOPE…… that’s always been my main aim…… there’s always HOPE in everything never loose sight of that…… where’s there’s a will there’s a way……. 😊

Enjoy your holidays and please keep in touch….. I’m always here to chat to you in the good times aswell……. I’m always here to support you if you need it………… you are sounding really positive and I think that’s great 😊 keep up the great work.