Concerned about stressful teaching job and MS

[iamhealedms]

I recently went back to work full time as a middle school science teacher. I was a teacher for years, then left for 5 years to be at home. I was hoping that it was going to be a little less demanding in preparing for the classes, however, I am overwhelmed. I've taught for years. I have MS (official diagnosis last October 2009) as well and am concerned with the level of stress that I have if it will encourage a relapse or exaceberation.

I have tried to step back from volunteering for certain things outside of school such as helping k-1 students at night and will step back from an upcoming Christmas production. Moreover, I am still a mother of a 4th grader, which demands my time. I feel like I'm failing her some because I'm not keeping up with her education as much as I used to because I'm trying to plan my work. My husband helps too. Then, I don't have much time at school to plan and we must tutor atleast once a week at my school, afterschool or before school. Now, other demands are on us regarding other activities and job obligations.

I am hoping to just give it a year, but everyday, I struggle with anxiety or depressed thoughts. I am feeling burned out after 2 months of work, tired, been out sick already from respiratory virus, and I recently started back on anti-anxiety meds. In addition, I take plaquenil to reduce the chance of me getting lupus, based on my rheumatologist. I was told by my ms specialist that stress can encourage problems with MS since my symptom may already be down, so I need to prioritize and if needed step back on some things.

I'm wondering if getting back on anxiety meds, that I was able to taper off previously, is worth this. I have some students that are disrespectful and my help in the class room is very limited, if any. I'm also using other resources such as mentoring, etc. to help me.

I guess I'm trying to see if someone out there has had the same struggles as I have with work and MS. In am just concerned that if I continue to work this way, will I encourage more lesions (my last brain MRI back in June 2010 was good, no new lesions). I don't want to feel like a failure in quitting in the middle of a school year. Moreover, letting go a helpful income for my family. Yet, I don't want to encourage any more health issues.

Thanks for your input.

[Beau2006]

HI there

HI there and good afternoon...I use to come here all the time, departed, and now I am back. I work too, and have a demanding and challenging job, so the stress and pressures and fatigue all plays a role in my well being...

first off, I am on Ativan, and it does help me thru some of the stressors, and I use it for a variety of other things...it does work for me.

I had to back out of some committees etc, just so that I have what it takes to get my job done. By backing off some of these things, helped out lots too.

Stress can bring on MS symptoms, but it will not generate more lesions, it will only kick start the symptoms that you already have....now u might experience some new ones, but thats not to say they are really new, they just have been hiding under the surface just waiting for a chance to rear its ugly head.

Make sure while u are at work, that you take advantage of some deserved rest time - like for instance during your lunch break, etc.

Does your employer at school know that you have MS...if they do, you might want to discuss with them some of the problems that arises when u are tasked with too much....its a tough call, I told mine, simply because I did duck out of some committees, and as well, during my lunch period, or even for a small period in the afternoon, I will close the door of my office and have a nap...it works wonders for me....

I dont know where u are from, but here in Canada, telling your boss is almost like establishing job security - human rights jumps right in if an employer causes greif to an employee for reasons concerning health issues or disabilities....

[Willard]

TEACHER WHOES

I WAS A TEACHER (K-6 COMPUTER SKILLS). THE STRESS WAS LITERALLY HURTING ME. SCHOOL DISTRICTS CAN HAVE A "CLICKY" CORE TO THEM AND I LEARNED THAT NO MATTER HOW MUCH I DID OR WHAT EXTRA I DID... IT DIDN'T MATTER. I WASN'T A CORE TEACHER AND THEY TREATED ME AS SUCH. I LEFT THE POSITION, NOT BY MY CHOICE, AND FOUND AFTER A LITTLE TRANSITION TIME I WAS FEELING BETTER, PHYSICALLY AND EVENTUALLY EMOTIONALLY. THERE IS LIFE AFTER A BAD, STRESSFUL JOB AND STRESSFUL JOBS ARE NOT WORTH IT AT ANY PRICE. CHANGE IS HARD BUT CAN BRING A VERY POSITIVE RESULT.

[Deer In Headlights]

Special Education Teacher

I'm a Special Ed. teacher, I have 24 kids on my caseload(RSP and SDC students) they are all mainstreamed in general ed classes.

I don't have to teach a class, thank God, but I support students in their classes. I get a headache when I have to think too much, or just a little.

I don't like stress, my head feels like swiss cheese. Cant' think straight. I'm not the sharpest tool in the shed.

[mfog023]

I am also a special education teacher and though the job is stressful I really enjoy what I do. The school district politics and cliques are something I can do without as others have also indicated. Right now I teach in a resource room setting working with grades 4-6. The students I teach have qualifications that range from SLD to ED. Thankfully I have an awesome aide who is extremely qualified. I am also grateful to have assistant principals who know and are supportive.

It is not a job for everyone or the faint of heart I say.

[zilphia01]

stress and teaching

I am sure all jobs have stress. Teaching sure does. I also teach Middle school Science, along with Living Environment, Forensics, and Science AIS. Along with the required Labs, I have 5 preps a day. I am exhausted. Add to it the paperwork, grades, computer required reports, a 15 and a 17 year old at home, it IS overwhelming.

I find that to deal, I do have to turn down the committees, and when stressful issues happen (like 22 out of our 64 teachers possibly being laid off next year), I just say to those around me "I have to stay away from stress" and walk away from the discussion.

Guess I am just keeping my head in the sand, but not sure what else to do, since I cannot impact the out come of any decisions that will be made here next year. that is hard for me.

So I am not sure how to make it easier for you except to say keep positive and try to only get involved in things that you can make a positive outcome with.

It is hard for us "old teachers" to let some of these things go. I have so many answers for the rest of the world. hahaha

[chgodsey]

stress, teaching and MS

I was just told that I have MS (to be comfirmed by Neurologist, but all the pieces are there). I teach 2nd grade in Ohio where all those lovely issues are occuring and teachers are being blamed. So not only do I have the stress of teaching inner city kids, I also have the stress of politics. I have noticed that this week has been very difficult for me..and I have many symptoms. I'm afraid I won't be able to continue teaching if this persists. It's very sad that a job that could be so wonderful and fulfilling has come to being so stressful and depressing.

Anyway, I am glad I'm not alone in this and hopefully we can support each other to make it through it all.

[mulli9149]

I was just told that I have MS (to be comfirmed by Neurologist, but all the pieces are there). I teach 2nd grade in Ohio where all those lovely issues are occuring and teachers are being blamed. So not only do I have the stress of teaching inner city kids, I also have the stress of politics. I have noticed that this week has been very difficult for me..and I have many symptoms. I'm afraid I won't be able to continue teaching if this persists. It's very sad that a job that could be so wonderful and fulfilling has come to being so stressful and depressing.

Anyway, I am glad I'm not alone in this and hopefully we can support each other to make it through it all.

I definitely know the feeling. Iam getting ready resign (i think). We will see what the future holds.

[Rally]

Retired Sped Teacher after 28 yrs.

Hello,
I retired this past June after teaching 12 years with r/r ms.
It eventually became way too much. The job became more and more demanding. I would say probably too much for a healthy person. No matter what, it was never enough.
The working conditiions were poor ie: freezing cold,hot, dirty environment,and etc. I couldn't give enough to my family. All I could do after work was rest and rest. I knew when it was time to go ! Good Luck!