So sorry guys
Hello Em,
I'm new here in that I've kept my head very low for the last month and just taken the time to read, learn and listen to the amazing group of people who make up this community - I don't know where else you will find such care and support! I've finally plucked up courage to join them - so do keep coming back as now I'm here I'd like to hear how you get on.
I'm really sorry to hear of the tough time you're going through - it's amazing how things can implode on you and you're left gasping for breath thinking what? how? where? why? - and particularly, maybe, why me? - and getting out of it seems impossible. What I found helped me get through a particularly bad patch in my life was to find a way of taking control. In everything there are certain things you can have control over and certain things you can't and deciding which is which could be a first step. If you can't change the situation you can choose how to handle them ('choice' here is the key word as it puts you back in control).
You can then look at the others and start making decisions - what do you want to do about them? Do you want to make changes, and if so, how?
I'm also in education and agree that the State system is currently going through a crisis - and I'm talking about England, not America! I have to admit that I chose not to stay in that system partly because of the many issues you mentioned (also personal issues too, but that's another story). However, I felt I still wanted to teach and am now teaching in the international system which I really enjoy. Every system has its problems but for me it's such a positive environment where the focus is on internationalism, celebrating different cultures, fostering global understanding. There are also international schools in the States so if you feel that the State system is undermining the reasons you went in to teaching - then maybe consider a move, though I don't know if this is possible?
I also sympathise with the plea not to leave, too, as I know the system needs excellent educators like yourself in order to keep it going - but if you stay then make it a conscious decision - I am here because ... give yourself a purpose and take back that control.
Other things I found helped me was support (you get loads here!) - but also professional support. Can the medical profession help in any way with your mother - other family members? Are there support groups for parents or family members of men and women serving in Iraq (I'm truly sorry to hear of your son's situation but agree that it says a lot about you that he's able to share this - he obviously feels you're strong enough to handle the truth!). If there aren't any support groups in your area - what about starting one?
I know it's really hard to take any steps when you feel paralised by the overwhelming situation, but just go for one step at a time. Joining here is my first step along what I hope will be a long road with different options and choices than the one I had mapped out for myself only yesterday. So one step at a time ... let's walk together ...
Hello Em,
I'm new here in that I've kept my head very low for the last month and just taken the time to read, learn and listen to the amazing group of people who make up this community - I don't know where else you will find such care and support! I've finally plucked up courage to join them - so do keep coming back as now I'm here I'd like to hear how you get on.
I'm really sorry to hear of the tough time you're going through - it's amazing how things can implode on you and you're left gasping for breath thinking what? how? where? why? - and particularly, maybe, why me? - and getting out of it seems impossible. What I found helped me get through a particularly bad patch in my life was to find a way of taking control. In everything there are certain things you can have control over and certain things you can't and deciding which is which could be a first step. If you can't change the situation you can choose how to handle them ('choice' here is the key word as it puts you back in control).
You can then look at the others and start making decisions - what do you want to do about them? Do you want to make changes, and if so, how?
I'm also in education and agree that the State system is currently going through a crisis - and I'm talking about England, not America! I have to admit that I chose not to stay in that system partly because of the many issues you mentioned (also personal issues too, but that's another story). However, I felt I still wanted to teach and am now teaching in the international system which I really enjoy. Every system has its problems but for me it's such a positive environment where the focus is on internationalism, celebrating different cultures, fostering global understanding. There are also international schools in the States so if you feel that the State system is undermining the reasons you went in to teaching - then maybe consider a move, though I don't know if this is possible?
I also sympathise with the plea not to leave, too, as I know the system needs excellent educators like yourself in order to keep it going - but if you stay then make it a conscious decision - I am here because ... give yourself a purpose and take back that control.
Other things I found helped me was support (you get loads here!) - but also professional support. Can the medical profession help in any way with your mother - other family members? Are there support groups for parents or family members of men and women serving in Iraq (I'm truly sorry to hear of your son's situation but agree that it says a lot about you that he's able to share this - he obviously feels you're strong enough to handle the truth!). If there aren't any support groups in your area - what about starting one?
I know it's really hard to take any steps when you feel paralised by the overwhelming situation, but just go for one step at a time. Joining here is my first step along what I hope will be a long road with different options and choices than the one I had mapped out for myself only yesterday. So one step at a time ... let's walk together ...
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