Depression and Occasional Teachers

by Mark Carter

If you've visited etfo.ca lately, you might have noticed that Depression is one of six items listed under the heading "Advice for Members". That depression is given such prominence says a lot about the pressures of our profession, and I think that occasional teachers may be particularly vulnerable to depression.

Clinical depression (as opposed to the normal ups and downs of life) doesn't necessarily manifest in the stereotypical dramatic emotional distress that many people assume. You can be suffering from symptoms of depression, yet rationally in your mind feel that there's no reason you should be depressed.

Symptoms of Depression

Depression creeps up on you over time, and can manifest in many physical symptoms which we don't automatically associate with depression. In fact, chronic physical fatigue is one of the signature symptoms of depression. Other symptoms can include impaired ability to focus and concentrate, anxiety and feelings of being overwhelmed, waning confidence and self esteem, behavioural changes such as increased irritability and lack of patience, becoming isolated from friends and family, and no longer partaking of the things in life you once enjoyed.

What Causes Depression?

Some people are hereditarily predisposed to it, others may have depression concomitantly with another medical condition. For many people, depression begins to take hold when the stresses of their lives start outstripping their ability to cope.

For occasional teachers, the risks are obvious. Many of us are working second jobs, usually at odd hours, to supplement the unpredictable income we have from teaching. This can lead to us having "no life" because we don't have time to relax, have fun, and maintain our family and social relationships.

The stress of an uncertain income is certainly never fun, as well as the day to day uncertainty of whether or not you'll be working. School Board hiring practices are also a big source of stress, with who-you-know often counting much more than merit, and the dreadful "To Hire" list methodology requiring us to go through interviews just to acquire the basic right to apply for permanent jobs. The indignity and disrespect of being told you're not good enough to even be allowed to apply for a permanent job, when you're regularly teaching in the schools, is a source of enormous stress for those of us who would like to make full-time teaching a career.

Managing Stress

Obviously, occasional teachers walk a fine line in managing stress in their lives. If you feel like you're "burning out" then you should realize that you're in a definite danger zone for depression. If you take on too many responsibilities and push yourself past the point of comfortably being able to cope, you'll begin wearing yourself down physically, emotionally, and psychologically. Try to recognize this and seek help earlier rather than later. Denial of depression will only result in deeper depression and a longer recovery time.

If you think you're suffering from depression, go to your doctor.

Modern anti-depressants work very well for most people, and have few if any lasting side-effects (you'll typically experience a few side-effects the first couple weeks while your body adapts, but then they'll go away). If taking a "brain vitamin" each day gets you back to a point where you can begin to cope, make positive changes, and start recovering, isn't it worth it?

Whether you're depressed or feeling like you're on the way there, there are a number of things you can do that might help. Begin with paring down any extra responsibilities you may have taken on. If you're feeling like you're burning out, then this is not the time to decide to take an AQ course or be volunteering for thankless jobs (unfortunately, working multiple paid jobs is a trap many OTs are stuck in).

Try taking a time-out.

Consciously make the decision to focus on contentment with your life at the moment, and not to worry about the future until you're feeling recharged again. Try practicing Tai Chi, yoga, and/or meditation to help release your stress and regain your inner balance.

Make a conscious effort to renew and maintain the various relationships in your life. Everyone needs a support network of friends and family. Re-prioritize, and make time for doing things you enjoy, particularly if they involve physical exercise and getting outside. If you're feeling isolated professionally, start taking part in the various ETFO OT Local events so you can enjoy the fellowship of other occasional teachers.

Always try to keep your life balanced.

But if you suspect you may be suffering from depression, do some research and talk to your doctor. Don't let depression paralyze your life. Ask for help. Depression is a treatable medical illness.

For more information, visit ETFO's website.