Depression/Energy level issues-Does any other teacher struggle?

Question

I am a second grade teacher. I plan well and am always prepared. I am well respected and my students are well behaved. The problem is that I am suffering acutely from depression, and I feel that I have to "tap-dance" all day long. By 3:30 I am exhausted. I don't even know if I really like what I do.
Does any other teacher out there know what I mean. This is my third year. When does it get easier?

Answer 1

I am a 16 year teacher. That exhaustion? I feel it every day. So get used to it, we have a lot of demands on us.

You have to figure out ways to relax. My plan is to get to school early(usually 1.5 hours early), plan and grade as much as I can before the kids get there and then leave within 30 mins of the days end. In that 30 mins, I organize what I plan to take home, and set up what I will prepare in the morning. Once I am out of the school zone, I do my best to not think of school things until my morning "meeting".

I work with new teachers, (and was one myself) and have found that their job is all-consuming for the first few years. You need to pick up a few stress relief tricks from some veterans.

While you are at it, ask a veteran "were you stressed in your third year?" I garauntee they will tell you stories.

good luck to you.

Answer 2

Oh wow, it seems like your question could have been written by me last year. I know EXACTLY what you mean. Last year was my fifth year teaching, and I had a second grade class. It would take too long to explain, but it was the year from hell. And I hate to say that because I am a really good teacher and hate to think of my job in those terms. I have been battling depression since high school, but last year it got a lot worse. At times, I also considered leaving the profession, just like you feel like you don't like what you do. I have also talked to many other teachers out there, and what you are going through is completely normal. I have noticed that good teaching requires a lot of emotional energy, so sometimes you have very little left for yourself. I have also noticed that some times are just plain harder than others, even if you can't pinpoint exactly what is wrong. Each year that you teach you get better at what you do, so in a sense it gets easier that way. My best advice is to stay positive, and do what you know is best for your students and yourself. You are probably being too hard on yourself, and remember that you are only human and are probably doing an awesome job! You need to find ways to conserve and save energy, because your health and well being affects how well you are able to do your job. The kids can also tell when you are tired and weary, and even putting up a front takes a lot of energy out of you. The beginning of the school year is always demanding, and since you know what is coming up, you can strategically plan your time better, and then focus on yourself too. And although it seems impossible, try not to do too much right now, and use the weekends for things that are good for you and will make you feel happy and refreshed.

Just a suggestion, but if you want more options, you can go back to school to get another endorsement. This year is my first year as a reading teacher, so all I do is small groups, and I have an office. I am currently going back to school for my reading teacher endorsement as well. But whatever you decide to do, hang in there! And please go get help for your depression. I was in therapy last school year, all the while continuing my medication, and it was nice to have somebody to talk to about what was going on, and to help me sort out my confusion and feelings. These feelings will pass, and maybe once you get to know your students more, and things are more set, you will feel better about your situation. Worst case, you have a tough year, but you will live throught it (I did!) and will have a nice summer break to recover. Good luck to you! I am sure you are an awesome teacher, because if you weren't, you wouldn't be worried about this.

Answer 3

I am a second grade teacher. I have great classroom management as well. I am respected by my collegues, administrators, students, and parents.

I am not depressed. However, I am EXHAUSTED throughout the month of September and part of October!!!!!!!!

I come home everyday and nap!!!!!!

I think that it probably does get a little better, but I know many teachers who go through the same thing every year.

I am also starting my third year. I know I am exhausted because of my schedule change and that fact that it takes a lot of energy to get a routine established. Once the kids are settled the year gets easier - usually it is around mid-October for me.

You may contact me. GOOD LUCK!!!!!!

Answer 4

Thank you for this question. I'm sorry you are struggling. Most folks out there just don't have a clue about how hard teaching is. It's great that you are respected and your class is well-behaved.

In order to accomplish this, however, it sounds like you have to 'tap dance' a lot. I've tried really hard to find ways to make my teaching job as easy as possible. I've come up with some great lesson plans and yet, it still takes a lot of energy out of me each day. I've got 8 years under my belt and I've eliminated a lot of unnecessary suffering at work and yet, still, this is not an easy or fun job.

A lot of it may have to do with HOW you are teaching each day. This 'tap dance' you do sounds exhausting. Do your peers 'tap dance'?
Do you have a mentor you can talk to at work or about your techniques? Do you have a therapist or counselor ? I have a great therapist and he has helped me identify many feelings I have at work that have hindered my functioning.

Try to find ways to limit the release of your energy. For example, talk only when necessary.
Never raise your voice. Conserve your energy always. Use hand signals & facial expressions to communicate when you can. For example, when a child says, "Look what I can do", instead of using a lot of energy saying "Wow, that's great Johnny, your Mom would be proud of you!", you can just smile at him and give him a 'thumbs up' gesture or a pat on the back.

Make sure your depression is treated properly.

Make fun plans to look forward to every weekend.

Ask another teacher (someone who has been teaching for 10 + years) if you can observe how they teach for a day. Watch how they conserve their energy.

Start a fitness & diet plan.
Here are some good ideas:
1. Do something that gets your heart rate up a bit like, walking, running, biking, and swimming.
2. Eat Whole, Organic foods like: Broccoli, Cabbage, Organic Brown Rice, Spinach, Sweet Potato, Apples, and other fruits and vegetables in their Natural State.
3. Avoid eating corn, white bread, white rice, candy, sodas, chips, and anything else that you already know you shouldn’t be eating.
4. Drink clean water as your beverage of choice. Avoid Fruit drinks and fruit juices (unless YOU juice them yourself)
5. Stop smoking, drinking beer & wine, and drinking coffee.
6. Get 8 hours of sleep each night.
7. Hang out with people who want to be healthy.
8. Avoid anything with High Fructose Corn Syrup.

Tone up the muscles:

1. Join a gym and get a trainer.2. If you’re short on cash, start a light stretching & yoga regimen.
3. Do push-ups, and light dumbbell curls for the upper body.
4. As I said above, walk, run, swim, and or bike
.5. Take an aerobics class, a yoga class, or some other fitness class.
6. Join the local YMCA..

Mental Health:

1. Get a friend to talk to each day about your feelings.
2. If you have some money or insurance, get a counselor to talk to.
3. Learn how to meditate.
4. Join a support group for the issue you’re dealing with.
5. Ask your Higher Self (or God) for guidance.
6. Start keeping a diary or journal about your feelings & thoughts.
7. Write a ‘gratitude’ list every night.
8. Do something that makes you happy each day like: listen to your favorite music, draw, paint, write, or anything creative.
9. Do something for someone else who needs help.

Answer 5

How are you aware precisely in which the instructor will have to be in phrases of curriculum? Unless your trainer is working on a few bizarre "script" where each unmarried day is deliberate all the way down to the minute, is not it feasible she's addressed a few matters from "extra forward" within the curriculum and is saving a few matters for later within the 12 months. I wholly agree that 90 mins of loose studying time is wholly irrelevant and that limitation demands to be addressed. You will have to prepare a assembly with the major and the instructor and ask to look her Year Plan. This report will exhibit how she divided up the curriculum and while she plans to handle every of the foremost studying outcome. You possibly amazed to uncover that matters like handwriting (I'm assuming you imply script versus printing) don't seem to be even within the first grade curriculum (as that varies by way of field). Also, choose up the legitimate curriculum files out of your nearest fundamental library (they are hundreds of thousands and hundreds of thousands of pages lengthy) so you'll move to the assembly informed approximately what your trainer is truthfully required by way of regulation to be educating. I paintings with the regional Center for Gifted Students, and I particularly advise that you just preserve off on any Gifted Education systems (as urged above). Many persons do not discover that there are lots of elements that result in a baby being recognized as proficient, adding a designated set of social signs adding affliction in social instances and a tendancy to turn out to be irritated or pissed off while no longer always challenged. Your son possibly sensible, however that does not imply he is proficient. Putting him in a university or elegance for presented scholars would be a VERY, VERY unhealthy inspiration.

Answer 6

I have been teaching 8 years and am still depressed and exhausted. I try everything. Sorry, I don't know what to say, I need to change fields, that's how bad it is for me.