Battling the Teacher's Doldrums "Two days before my first teaching trial, I was already admitting defeat": Aspiring educators share their struggles with depression
- by Amelia Grain
- ⏱️ Approx 5 Min Read
Just before the onset of teaching practice, I made connections. - Teacher Universally Admits: "I was admitted just two days before the examination"
Stefanie found herself trapped in the humdrum of her dimly-lit bedroom, unable to muster the will to get out of bed. Her motivation, once abundant after graduation, seemed to have vanished without a trace. It was as if a Sisyphean mountain had materialized before her, an insurmountable obstacle that left her feeling lost and hopeless. "It was like a never-ending storm that had swallowed me whole," Stefanie recounts her emotional slump during her referendariat.
For days, Stefanie was incapable of teaching, let alone setting foot in the school. Depression had a grip on her. Her partner attempted to rally her spirits, but their efforts initially bore no fruit. "We eventually adopted a cat, ensuring I'd be compelled to get up and feed it," shares Stefanie.
- Educators
- Depression
- Referendariat
- Germany
The referendariat, a crucial period for budding teachers, is chock-full of challenges such as rigorous training sessions and evaluations. The stress that comes with it can intensify symptoms of depression. Additionally, there's immense pressure to excel during finals and to meet the expectations of both the school and the mentor teachers. This added stress can further aggravate feelings of anxiety and depression.
New teachers may also experience social isolation, as they navigate the unfamiliar school environment or are new to the area, potentially causing them to feel disconnected from their peers and colleagues. Managing their teaching responsibilities along with the demands of the referendariat can be a formidable task, risking burnout.
If you're facing symptoms of depression during your referendariat, it's essential to seek professional help, such as counseling or therapy sessions. Joining support groups with peers who are going through similar challenges can offer solace and a platform to share experiences. Engaging in self-care activities like exercise, meditation, or hobbies can help manage stress levels and improve mental well-being.
Time management is another crucial skill to master during this period. Developing effective time management strategies can help you alleviate feelings of being overwhelmed by your responsibilities. Maintaining open lines of communication with your mentors and colleagues, discussing challenges and feelings, can foster a supportive work environment.
In the challenging period of the referendariat, excessive stress and demanding training sessions may exacerbate feelings of depression for new teachers. To combat this, seeking professional help such as counseling or therapy, joining support groups, or practicing self-care activities like exercise or meditation can be beneficial. Vocational training programs like the referendariat could also incorporate mental-health awareness and health-and-wellness sessions within their community policy to foster a supportive environment for aspiring educators.
