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Feeling Overwhelmed and lost

Hey94New Contributor11 Oct 2024, 3:16 pm AEDT

Feeling Overwhelmed and lost

Hi everyone,

I'm struggling at the moment and feel really stuck. Over the past year, a lot has happened, and I’ve been trying to keep it together, but now it feels like I’m falling apart. I went through the Teach for Australia program last year, which was incredibly stressful and demanding. I’m also recovering from knee surgery after an ACL injury, and I also went through a painful breakup. All of this has left me feeling emotionally drained and physically exhausted.

I’ve been dealing with a lot of anxiety, low self-esteem, and an overwhelming sense of exhaustion. Most days, I just can’t seem to get out of bed, and even though I know what I should be doing, it feels like there’s a wall between me and action. I feel a lot of guilt for not showing up for things I care about, especially my work and family, but I feel so drained that I don’t know how to push through anymore.

I recently had a panic attack while journaling, and though I’ve taken steps to reach out to a psychiatrist, I still feel like I’m drowning in this. It’s confusing because I don’t even know if the workload is the issue—it feels more like my head isn’t in the right place, and the mornings are especially hard. There’s this overwhelming dread when I wake up, and my bed is the only place that feels safe.

I’ve also been really disappointed in myself lately. I’ve already taken time off this year, and now I might need more. There’s this constant voice in my head saying I’m weak for not being able to handle it all. Even though I’ve got evidence showing I’m capable, my mind keeps telling me otherwise. I hate feeling like this because it’s not who I want to be, and I’m struggling to make decisions because I feel guilty no matter what I choose.

On top of that, I’m feeling lost about whether I should stay where I am [edited by moderator], where I work as a teacher, or leave. My therapist has suggested leaving might be the best option for me, but I’m torn because I also need the income.It’s such a conflicting feeling—part of me feels relief at the thought of not finishing the term, but the other part feels immense guilt for even considering it.

Has anyone else felt this way? How do you cope when you know what you should do, but your mind and body just won’t follow? I’m feeling really low and could use some guidance or reassurance that I’m not alone in this. Any support or suggestions would be so appreciated.

Thanks for reading.

2 replies

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In response to: Feeling Overwhelmed and lost

tymeModerator11 Oct 2024, 3:30 pm AEDT

Re: Feeling Overwhelmed and lost

Hey there @Hey94 ,

Welcome to the forums!

We are certainly not alone in what you are experiencing and how you have been feeling.

Teaching is a demanding role, and hence we also have a dedicated space for teachers to connect. You can join The Educator's Space here: https://saneforums.org/t5/Educator-s-hub/gh-p/educatorshub

Within yourself, what do you think you should do? Do you feel you should stay where you are at least for the remainder of the school year?

Would you interested in SANE Guided Service? You can check your eligibility here: https://www.sane.org/referral#eligibility

This is a 14 wk guided program where you can work with a counsellor/peer worker to develop a recovery plan. Perhaps this is an opportunity for you to gain some clarity into what the best next-step is for you?

Please know you are not alone.

In response to: Feeling Overwhelmed and lost

MJG017Senior Contributor11 Oct 2024, 6:02 pm AEDT

Re: Feeling Overwhelmed and lost

Hi @Hey94, welcome to the group.

I've known that wall well. Some days it just feels too difficult to get out of bed because it means when they have to struggle though the day. I've always suffered from ow self-esteem myself and found that it doesn't help on days like that because I blame myself for not being strong enough to keep going.

It definitely sounds like you've got going on, and you are probably just struggling to deal with all the demands. We do tend to be harsh on ourselves and just feel like we need to keep 'powering on'. It definitely sounds like your body and mind is screaming at you to take a break. There's absolutely no shame in that and it's definitely not a weakness, it's just a place we can all get to at times.

Is it possible to take a break from work, rather than leave? Do you think that would even help, or do you think part of the problem is the job itself? Maybe even a reduced workload? Certainly some sort of mental health leave seems like it would really help you right now. With teaching though, i'm not sure what your options would be. Have you talked to anyone, a supervisor or HR/work counselor about what your going through and seeing what options there are for you? Just don't let feelings of guilt or weakness for needing a break make you feel worse. You need to put yourself and your health first. If this continues and your health and mental state suffer as a result, then you may find your self with no choice but to leave or take a break anyway, but in a much worse stat than if you address it now.

I wish you all the best in whatever you decide to do, but do try to think of yourself as well when making any decisions. Take care of yourself. We're here to listen and support you if you if need it.

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