 |
| FAQ/Help |
| Calendar |
| Search |
|
#1
Sep 30, 2014, 06:25 PM
|
||||
|
||||
|
I'm a teacher. Apparently a good one - many people have told me so, even though I have a hard time believing them. But teaching has been making me anxious for years, and this week for whatever reason I've been unable to tuck the anxiety away and go to work. I was anxious on Sunday (I usually am leading up to the work week), then yesterday (Monday) I had a panic attack when I woke up and thought about going to work, and couldn't even get out of bed. I called in sick and cried most of the day. This morning I managed to get up and get dressed (even though I was having trouble breathing) and drive myself to work. I asked my husband to follow me because I was feeling really shaky and anxious, and once I got to work and parked my car I had another panic attack. So I left and came home again.
I feel like I'm letting down my students, my co-workers, and my family. I feel like a failure. Other people manage to go to work and do their job - what's wrong with me? I wonder if it's really the job, or just my inability to cope with stress. |
 dedicated, kaliope, manxcatwoman
|
|
#2
Sep 30, 2014, 06:57 PM
|
||||
|
||||
|
it may not be either of those...it could just be anxiety.....I have nevr been good at tracing what my anxiety is based on but I love my job and I don't really find it stressful...sometimes I only have a couple hours a day I actually work with clients and the rest of the time I am just sitting around waiting for something to pop up. but sometimes my anxiety is so bad that I fear I will never make it thru the day. I have taken days off before. and I am letting people down that have had appointments for a week or two and may not be able to get in for another week or two so I feel really aweful. I am agoraphobic so I know that may be some of it...I just don't feel safe except under controlled circumstances. that doesn't explain why I would wake up dreading work though. my old t just said I was wired for anxiety. a tip that I have found valuable that others have said worked as well for controlling panic attacks is to relax. it is impossible to panic and relax at the same time. I imagine my body to go limp like a wet noodle. just release my arms and legs and shoulders and let them hang. the panic attack will stop. I have done this again and again..sometimes you have to do it a few times to stop an attack...since I found this technique works and I no longer have to fear panic attacks because I know how to stp them, I no longer have them....take care.
|
 anxteach, dedicated
|
|
#3
Oct 02, 2014, 07:17 PM
|
||||
|
||||
|
Thanks Kaliope! You're right, it could very well just be the anxiety. I'm looking for a therapist to help me learn some coping skills and treat my performance anxiety. Hopefully that will be a good resource. It's interesting that you love your job but sometimes still feel anxious. I don't even know if I love my job anymore because for so long it's been linked to my anxiety, that it's hard to see the positives. I do love working with the kids.
|
|
#4
Oct 02, 2014, 07:43 PM
|
||||
|
||||
|
Teaching IS a really stressful job. Everyone knows this and is well aware. I worked as a Teacher's Assistant for a kindergarten class and I was only there for about 4 hours a day, by the time my shift ended I honestly couldn't wait to get out of there and just unwind at home. I loved the kids I worked with, but it is a stressful environment. While I was there, we had one kindergarten teacher who worked in the next room quit because she was having trouble coping mentally with the stress, or so the teacher I was working under told me. She kind of scoffed at it, but I understood how someone could come to that decision.
Just know that you are appreciated at your work. Your students probably miss you. You are capable of it if you have gotten this far. If it is really something you want to keep doing, then perhaps you could talk to your doc about getting on anti-anxiety meds? You could also look into other positions that involve working with kids but don't require you to perform.
__________________
"Re-examine all you have been told, dismiss what insults your soul." - Walt Whitman "Never be a spectator of unfairness or stupidity. The grave will supply plenty of time for silence." - Christopher Hitchens "I do not fear death. I had been dead for billions and billions of years before I was born, and had not suffered the slightest inconvenience." - Mark Twain |
| anxteach
|
| anxteach
|
|
#5
Oct 07, 2014, 12:44 AM
|
||||
|
||||
|
CosmicRose - I read your response a few days ago but hadn't and the chance to write back until now. I just wanted to say thank you. It's really nice to have someone recognize how had teaching is, and give me some support. I managed to go back to work on Friday for the afternoon and my students all ran to give me hugs. I treasure those moments. Unfortunately, I don't know that I can keep up with the daily stress and anxiety that the job provides, so I don't know how much longer I will continue to do it. But I do love spending time with kiddos, so your idea of finding something where I can work with kids but have to perform is a good suggestion. Again, thank you for your support
|
|
#6
Oct 07, 2014, 09:52 AM
|
|||
|
|||
|
Have you talked with the doctor regarding anxiety medication? My friend's sister had anxiety and panic attacks but she found a good dr and with some mild medication she now lives a happy life! Maybe doctor could help you cope?
Quote:
|
| anxteach
|
|
#7
Oct 10, 2014, 09:49 PM
|
||||
|
||||
|
Quote:
|
| Reply |
This is an old thread. You probably should not post your reply to it, as the original poster is unlikely to see it.|
|
My Support Forums is the online community that was originally begun as the Psych Central Forums in 2001. It now runs as an independent self-help support group community for mental health, personality, and psychological issues and is overseen by a group of dedicated, caring volunteers from around the world.
Linear Mode
