Let's Talk Life: Stressed teacher

Yvonnie Bailey- Davidson, Gleaner Writer

Dear Counsellor:

I have been teaching for several years and I find it to be very stressful. The children will not listen and they are very talkative. It is summer now and I feel so relieved. Please give me some tips on coping in the classroom.

- Elaine

Dear Elaine:

Teaching is stressful but rewarding. It is good to see your mentees excelling and finding their positions in life.

You need to think of the outcome at all times. Think of the children as having potential but needing to be trained. Developmentally, children don't realise the importance of school and getting an education. This has to be drilled into their brains everyday. Set goals every term and let them work towards them.

The children should see themselves as important stakeholders in their education. They need to be involved in setting the rules for the classroom and the goals for their education. Each step of the way, students need to play an active part in the classroom.

Stress management is crucial for both you and the students. Let the students generate possible solutions to the stress problem. Also, let the students decide on the level of punishment for the offences. Encourage the students to be independent learners and teach them to organise homework and the revision exercises.

As teacher, you are the role model for your students. Pay attention to your diet and make sure you are getting enough exercise. Take your supplements and get your annual check-up. Have a friend with whom you can ventilate about the issues. Don't take the behaviour of the students personally. See the students as individuals in need of self-control.

It is unfortunate that some students only realise the benefit of school when they are adults, and by then it is difficult to attain the certification they need. Don't give up. Take care of yourself.

Trouble sleeping

Dear Counsellor:

Recently, I have been having sleep problems. I have difficulty falling asleep and I wake up early in the mornings. I am wondering if I am depressed or overcome with anxiety.

- Camille

Dear Camille:

Sleep is an essential commodity. Whenever you don't get enough sleep you will feel cranky in the mornings. Are you feeling refreshed in the morning? Do you have difficulty getting out of bed in the morning? Are you lethargic, or easily fatigued?

Is there something happening to you that may cause you to be depressed? Are you grieving?

Depression is a common condition and sleep problems represent one of the symptoms. The loss of a job or loved one can trigger a depressive episode. Some people develop depression without a trigger. It is important to get a physical examination and some blood investigations done. Depression is treatable and some people need to stay on the medication for a long time.

Anxiety coexists with depression. Some individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have sleep problems. The incidence of PTSD is increasing because of the level of crime and violence in society. This may be the cause of your hyperarousal.

PTSD is treatable with the same medication used to suppress depression. Please see your psychiatrist for a check-up.

Email comments or questions to Dr Yvonnie Bailey-Davidson at yvonniebd@hotmail.com or call her at 978-8602.