Seeking help as a teacher with anxiety
I've never suffered with anxiety before, I've always been an averagely confident person. But since starting my first year as a qualified teacher, I have found myself under immense pressure that I am really struggling to deal with. I have all the symptoms that point to anxiety and the thought of actually having that label makes me feel even worse.
I've tried speaking to people at work about how I feel. I approached my mentor, but he told me I should keep quiet about my feelings, because I'm on a temporary contract and I need to portray a positive image if I want to be kept on.
I don't know what to do. I'm scared of going to my doctor and having to inform my school just how much I'm suffering. I'm scared of taking time off and this putting me at a disadvantage for being kept on or getting a good reference. But I'm also scared of how I feel. I'm scared of doing nothing and having some kind of breakdown. I'm scared I'll end up having to leave teaching.
Anyone been in a similar place?
I've tried speaking to people at work about how I feel. I approached my mentor, but he told me I should keep quiet about my feelings, because I'm on a temporary contract and I need to portray a positive image if I want to be kept on.
I don't know what to do. I'm scared of going to my doctor and having to inform my school just how much I'm suffering. I'm scared of taking time off and this putting me at a disadvantage for being kept on or getting a good reference. But I'm also scared of how I feel. I'm scared of doing nothing and having some kind of breakdown. I'm scared I'll end up having to leave teaching.
Anyone been in a similar place?
Do you feel like you're making the most of your spare time? Remember it's important to give yourself some down time, even if you are rushed off your feet. Your job is important, but it's not the end of the world if something goes a bit wrong, so try and give yourself a bit of a break. 
You might well be sick of timetables, but sometimes it's useful to organise your evenings and weekends into time spent doing work, time spent socialising or doing hobbies, and time spent doing nothing just lazing about.
You could also look at your diet, if you're getting enough sleep, and anything else changeable that might be having an impact on your mental health.
If you do feel like this is a recurring problem though, that self-help isn't equipped to deal with, I'd urge you to see your doctor for some professional advice. Mental health issues are all too common amongst high-stress professions, and it's good that you're recognising your troubles early.
If you want a chat or further advice, I recommend joining us in the Mental Health Support Society.
You might well be sick of timetables, but sometimes it's useful to organise your evenings and weekends into time spent doing work, time spent socialising or doing hobbies, and time spent doing nothing just lazing about.
You could also look at your diet, if you're getting enough sleep, and anything else changeable that might be having an impact on your mental health.
If you do feel like this is a recurring problem though, that self-help isn't equipped to deal with, I'd urge you to see your doctor for some professional advice. Mental health issues are all too common amongst high-stress professions, and it's good that you're recognising your troubles early.
If you want a chat or further advice, I recommend joining us in the Mental Health Support Society.
My mother has recently completed her social work degree, and similarly struggled with anxiety during her first training year (difficulty sleeping, feeling worthless, constant stress, bouts of crying). She went to the doctor and got prescribed a drug that really helped her and has reduced her anxiety levels completely. It's a common thing and nothing to be ashamed of. Go to the doctors! Anxiety is the same as any other illness. Teaching is incredibly stressful and the government don't make it any easier. Out of all the professions, this job seems to have one of the smallest support networks for mental health and the biggest workload/ stressors. Seek help! You deserve it! Hope all goes well :-)
going to see your GP and getting support doesn't mean you have to disclose anything to your employer... it might help you get through your first year to have some support?
I really appreciate these responses. Thank you.
