Feeling broken

[NameChanged9876]

Name changed to avoid identification.

I don't feel like I can cope at work. It has been awful for 18 months, getting steadily worse. I feel like I'm at breaking point.

I'm considering going to my GP to say that I am struggling to cope, but I'm torn between the two following arguments:

• half term is only a few days away; there's no point being signed off when I'm off for half term anyway, so I should grit my teeth a bit longer and hope I feel better after a week off.

• this is exactly how I felt before Christmas (and the above argument is what stopped me seeking help before Christmas). The situation is getting worse, I am utterly miserable and it's having a detrimental impact on my family.

For context; I don't think I'm depressed, just feel like I'm constantly at the point of breaking down due to stress. I hate to ask for help and would much rather be able to sort out my own feelings than admit that I'm struggling.

Would you see a GP this week or hold on for half term?

[SayNoToCarrots]

What is positive about your job? Do you have children, and need to be off at the same time as them? Do you like your students / colleagues / subject? Do you enjoy any part?

If you can think of positives, maybe you can make it to half term. If you are just sticking with it because you feel you have to, find a new job.

[ChocolateDigestiveFiend]

Oh OP. I think you need to see the GP. Best of luck.

[NameChanged9876]

Thank you both.

I used to love my job; been there for 5 years and worked hard to progress to a more developed role (some senior responsibilities but not SLT level).

Originally I was very enthusiastic to support the pupils, especially those with difficult circumstances or complex needs. I feel like I've lost this enthusiasm this year; I've started to resent their behaviour and am becoming less patient and more easily frustrated.

I have one child already, so term time working suits me, and am now pregnant again so I don't feel like I can leave at the moment as no one else will hire me.

[EmJay19]

Could you take a couple of days off sick? I think if you’re this stressed it’s worthy but probably easier to say flu/ d&v or something?

[EmJay19]

This atleast gets you to half term where you can rest and have a good think so but it all

[tulippa]

I read somewhere that a contributing factor to teachers' stress is that many of them put off seeking help because there is always a holiday to 'make it' to. If you hold out till this half term will you then hold out till Easter then hold out till the next half term then hold out till the summer...etc etc? Nothing will get better if you carry on clinging on till the next break. If you are feeling ill see your GP now.

[42isthemeaning]

See your GP now. Please put yourself first. It doesn't matter about the approaching half term but your mental health and well-being do matter.

[minesadecaf]

When are you going on mat leave?

[Trebormints74]

Go and speak to I your doctor. It can help just to talk to them about options. You don’t have to be signed off even if you go to doctors and change your mind...