 |
| Name |
Debra |
| Age |
38 |
| Education |
B Ed. MA in psychology and education |
| Circumstances |
Married with two children |
| Job history |
Teacher |
|
 |
| Job title |
Teacher, with particular experience in special
needs |
| Place of work |
State-run special school for 11-18 year-olds
with severe learning difficulties |
| Sector |
Education |
| Organisation
size |
80 pupils in school, 8-9 in
a class |
I'd been teaching for a number of years when my mental health
problems began. One of the triggers was having children. I
was used to working with a classroom of children with severe
special needs, so it was unsettling that I found it such a
challenge to cope with one child of my own. By the time I
was expecting my second child I was very worried about how
I'd manage.
My school wasn't at all supportive. No one seemed willing
to discuss my problems with me, or to help in any way. The
head-teacher just kept putting pressure on me about my plans
after maternity leave.
When Tom, my second child, was around 7 months, I became
more seriously ill. Tom had severe eczema and would wake up
frequently in the night. I was exhausted and I started having
delusions and talking in a bizarre way. My husband realised
something was wrong and took me to hospital. I stayed there
for three weeks.
I returned to work when Tom was a year old. An opportunity
came up at another school, providing full-time support for
a child with autism. Things really turned around for me at
this school. I always got praise and positive feedback and
the fact that my work was valued was a big boost.
After a while I tried to come off medication. Unfortunately
the delusions came back and I had to return to hospital. Again,
my employers were great. They sent flowers and the head invited
me in for a chat as soon as I got back.
My contract ended when the autistic child left, and I successfully
applied for another position in a mainstream school. However,
there was far more planning and bureaucracy than I was used
to. On the first day of term I burst into tears. I just couldn't
face it. In the end, I was signed off with sick leave and
finally resigned.
I realised I needed time to recover my health properly,
and took a year out. After a while I eased my way back in
by doing paid work for my local church and then moved into
supply teaching. I've been able to pace my return to work
around my own needs and the needs of my children. I now enjoy
my work, and look forward to the future. 
 |
The most useful support I've had is with planning my workload.
If I can anticipate what a job will involve and break
it down into manageable tasks, it's much less stressful.
|
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