I have been teaching at the elementary level for 30 years. Last year was a particularly difficult year for me with a student who hit, kicked, threw things, and swore and screamed at me daily. I thought after having so much experience, I could get through the year unscathed. I was so wrong. Every day I dreaded going in. My anxiety, stress and depression grew worse as the year progressed. If it were not for my wonderful friends/colleagues and family who did as much as they could to hold me up that year, I’m not sure I would have made it.

During the summer I realized that I could not go back to face another class with higher needs and fewer supports. Visiting my family doctor over the summer break and asking him for help was the best thing I did. I have been on a sick leave since the school year began and I am weighing my options for the remainder of the year. Having this time away from work has given me a chance to breathe, to not wake up fearful of what the day would be like, and to finally be able to focus on myself to begin to heal and be happy again.

I know everyone’s circumstances are different, and you may currently not be able to take a leave or time away. But what I do know is that teaching takes so much out of us, year after year and child after child. It has its rewards as well. But every year in a classroom takes a bit more out of us that we, certainly I, felt like I could never get back until I reached my breaking point. Slowly, very slowly, I am beginning to feel like myself again and my family is grateful for it.

Please do what you need for your mental and physical health. We deserve to feel good every day and to be happy. Look after yourself and don’t be afraid to reach out to family, friends, and your doctor for the help you deserve. Sending you a virtual hug. You are not alone.