Depressed and Unmotivated - M35

[Patrickj]

Hi everyone,

I don't know really what to say here other than I've been feeling so down and unmotivated lately. 

For context, I live an ideal life - fantastic, supportive spouse, good income, good family. I suppose it stems from my job as a teacher, a profession that I feel is treated as a joke among many students and their parents. Some students have no qualms about telling me that my value as a teacher is tied up with my 'low paying salary' (yes, they say this). When I tell them I'm quite a good wage, they'll reply with 'that's not a lot'. Yes, they're kids, but far out... this profession is burning me out. I've been teaching for 10 years and I'm ready to leave. 

What else gets me down is that I'm 35 and I feel like I'm essentially blocked out of the housing market. It genuinely feels like everyone is better off. I'm beginning to turn to alcohol to cope with a sense of 'I'm not good enough'. However, I know it's all a fallacy. I'd likely feel this way even with a house of my own. Something in me just doesn't feel right anymore. I feel so unmotivated. I used to read 50 books a year. Now I'm lucky to read 1. 

At this point, I go to sleep, wake up, go to a depressing job, and get more depressed at seeing others buying houses, getting new jobs, starting families. 

I'm so sorry, guys. This is really a first-world problem post and I should be more thankful. 

Thanks for listening.

[Guest_73480585]

I’ve been a primary school teacher for about 20 years so I have a good idea of how you feel. It’s a really tough job. I love my job and I hate it at the same time because it’s having a negative affect on my  mental health. If you’re in the public system, contact the EAP and ask for some

support. I think you get 4 free sessions with a psychologist. 

Please don’t diminish how you feel by comparing yourself to others - that’s not very good for your state of mind. People

feel different in different situations. Your feelings are justified. 

I know alcohol makes you feel better in the moment - I used to do it after a tough day too. I’ve found better strategies to cope with stress and I encourage you to try them - even though I know it’s hard. Exercise, walking outdoors, learn a new skill, join a club etc. 

More teachers need to speak up about how they’re feeling as changes need to happen. The job is not sustainable as it is at the moment - it’s just too hard. Good luck and take care.