anxiety going back to work after out for knee surgery.

[melissabeth]

I have been a teacher for 15 years and am suffering from severe social anxiety and panic attacks. I seem to go through these times when I am isolated on sick leave or surgery, plus I work in an inner city school where the students are difficult to begin with and I have been threatened before. I know I have to walk through it, but am feeling traumatized and having panic just thinking about going back into my classroom. I need advice.

[Hidden]

Hello

Have you had any support before with your anxiety ?

I have never experienced what you are going through even though I am not good in any kind of social situations but unlike yourself where it is your job I can opt out

Could you talk to the head of the School explain your problems , I know we can tend to hide them but sometimes others will surprise us with the support they will offer if we let them know we need it & that can be such a relief

Maybe take each part of the day hour by hour less if needed telling yourself you will deal with that & that is all you need to deal with from the journey there & so on , break the day down it can be less stressful that way sometimes

I hope someone that has been in your position will come along & be able to give you some more constructive suggestions x

[Hidden]

I can understand why you would be anxious if you have been threatened before. Is there anyway to go to a place that could be better for you to work? I know how hard that is believe me. But if you have anxiety it would be good if you can to try to limit triggers. Or if you can while you are in that school you will need to have things in place to help ground you. A soothing photo on your desk, a stone with an affirmation on it you can carry with you, or relaxation app on your phone for when you take breaks. Good luck.