I'm new here

[StarWars77]

Hello,

I'm new here and I'm looking for support for my anxiety or just people that understand. My anxiety feels like it has been through the roof lately. Job is rough and I'm my mom's only care-taker. I'm a teacher and work in a high trauma school and I think I'm experiencing second hand trauma from the kids as well as the environment at work -- it feels very punitive. I'd like to look for another job but with my anxiety it's a catch 22. I can't concentrate and I just feel like curling up in a ball. I just want to go home and go to bed. I'm taking my meds but they aren't helping like they should. I know I should look for a therapist / psychiatrist but again, I feel paralyzed. I appreciate you listening.

[Syllabus18]

It sounds like you can use a few days off from work just to get your head back in the game. I think a few days off will be more better did experiencing a complete burnout and then having to see a therapist on top of it

[keepcalm300]

Hello,

I agree with Syllabus18. Maybe you should take a few days off of work for some self care just to get your mind right. Take the time to maybe see a movie or go to the mall.

[Nobster]

Things will get easier and better with time. I’ve come a long way over time only to be brought back down with a bang. But you got to keep pushing on. Talk to your doctor as much as you need to and don’t worry too much.

[Kkimm]

Hi StarWars

I really feel for you as you have such alot to deal with in life.

You are obviously a very caring person, you are having to spread yourself too thinly and it is taking its toll, as it will do.

You are your mother's carer and you work as a teacher of children, many of whom will have experienced trauma. No doubt you are right and you are experiencing secondary trauma from them and you imply it is not in a very supportive school environment.

I think you should allow yourself to recognise what an amazing job you are doing in helping these kids. It is such important and skilled work. I do not know if you are an experienced or a new teacher but if you are newly qualified it will be very tough and it will take a long time to gain the experience to feel comfortable in your work as is the case for new teachers. I am a teacher myself and a social work manager as well as an anxiety sufferer so I know how tough it can be and the toll it takes on your mental health.

I do not know much about your mother's situation but being a carer for her is also such a valuable role but will possibly be very draining also. Would it work for her to have some sort of respite care occasionally to give you a break?

Do you get time to recuperate during school holidays, if so the Easter holiday will be coming up fairly soon and perhaps you can have a much needed rest.

I would imagine that there might be some sort of counseling available to you through your work or because you are experiencing anxiety and if so do take advantage of it.

I understand what you mean about finding it difficult to act because you are so stressed and if this is the case and you feel that you are so exhausted and anxious that you may need to take time off sick then it will be important to do that to allow yourself to recover. This may enable you to recover sufficiently to think things through properly and decide on a course of action. For example to ensure you do get some counselling and if you should be looking for another post and start to put in applications for suitable ones.

Once you begin to take action you are likely to feel better.

My thoughts are with you and hope that you are able to feel better soon.

Kim

[StarWars77 in reply to Kkimm]

I sooooo appreciate your kind and thoughtful response. I appreciate the support and kindness. It made me feel that you really understood. Your words are a comfort for me. Thank you.

[Kkimm in reply to StarWars77]

So pleased to hear it