[Purplechick]

I had yet another occ health appt yesterday with a new OH nurse and going through it all again has really unsettled me.

As some of you are aware I am a teacher but I had an allegation (that I disputed) made against me by my Headteacher. I was being bullied too by the assistant headteacher. I was already suffering from depresion but I was classified as highly functioning and it wasn't affecting my day to day life too much.

The consequence of the allegation and the bullying not being taken seriously was I had a major breakdown in Feb this year.

I havent worked since and am barely functioning at all at present.

OH nurse kept on about leaving, saying "how can you ever work for that Head again?" (the bully is leaving in Jan due to so many complaints by staff and parents - interesting huh?)..........but my medics say make no major decisions but OH go on about leaving.........I acknowledge that it would be so much easier if I could just walk away - they have treated me so badly but I feel I shouldn't be made to leave like this.....I have worked there for 15 years, I liked it there, I had a good reputation amongst staff and parents and pupils........I was deemed to be an outstanding teacher by OFSTED........

I am sooooo confused about what to do next.....

How can I be sure I make a "good" decision when I am suffering such a deep depression?
But my depression can't ease while I have this hanging over my head........

So what do I do?

[Gus1234U]

dear Purple, one cannot advise you,, having seen it go both ways: refusing to quit led to my downfall; and quitting has left me in poverty. change is so scarey, i used to just flip a coin,, 3 times~! 2 heads i go ahead, and 2 tails, i run.. that worked as well as any intellectual exercise. i'm really sad to see you in such a predicament, and hope you find a way out. Gus

[Rohag]

Hello, Purplechick!

Originally Posted by Purplechick

How can I be sure I make a "good" decision when I am suffering such a deep depression?
But my depression can't ease while I have this hanging over my head........

A true dilemma. You are correct; the standard advice is to avoid making significant decisions while in a depressed state. In your case, however, it may be unavoidable.

Old saying: "In a multitude of counsellors there is safety" (or something like that). If possible, seek the advice of non-depressed individuals who understand the system of which you're a part.

Personally, I hate to see good educators pushed or pulled out of the classroom. You do so much for civilisation. But your decision needs to be your own, and I hope you can find satisfying counsel. All the best to you, Purplechick