Anti-depressants

Valerie - posted on 11/11/2012

I've been on an antidepressent for 4 wks. Mirtazapine. I'm an elementery school teacher for 15 yrs. It is a situational depression brought on by my Dads death. I had anxiety, which led to insomnia. Even on the med. I sleep about 4 to 5 hrs. a night. I've improved on the med. but have to make a decision by tomorrow whether to return to work. Either I return tommorrow, or I have to take the rest of the school year off, and return next Aug. My fear is that if I return to work and am unable to cope, I would have to retire, and if I came back later I would have to re-apply with a new license, an start off as a first year teacher again. If I take the time off, I don't know if I'll be that much improved or not,If I knew I would be, It would make my decision eaiser. Most everyone says I need to jump back in, but these people aren't teachers, dealing with 25 students. I went in last wk. with the sub. in class and stayed most of the day, but when I took over for 45min. by myself, I started to panic. Has anyone out there been in this situation, and how did it turn out for you? Would welcome any input. Don't want to make the wrong choice and regret it either way.

Renae - posted on 03/21/2009

I have been teaching for 6 years now and did a stint of 18 months on pills whilst I was at uni. I went back on them in my second year of teaching and was ready to come off when I got pregnant. My doctor said it would be better to stay on them to get through the emotional ups and down of pregnancy and I was terrified of what would happen after my daught was born.

I have went back to work in January after 8 months off and have fount it very difficult. I started out ok but it is going down hill a bit. Emotional family issues are not helping! They do help to make life a bit easier in getting through the day and starting again at home. You are NOT on your own.

Jennifer - posted on 03/21/2009

i've been on lexapro for about 2 and a half years.. since I went back to teaching after being home with my son for 9 months. I couldn't handle the stress of doing everything right- being a mom, being a teacher, being a wife... you know the list. I have such a better attitude about it all now. I have learned to take things in stride, and I know my meds have helped. Sometimes I think I should be the poster child for anxiety meds!! Good luck.

Ginger - posted on 03/21/2009

I was on Zoloft for about six months after the birth of each of my children.  I'm not on anything now, but I'm a big fan of happy pills!  I also use the chocolate technique, plus I NEVER take work home with me.  I leave by 5 pm and whatever isn't done just has to wait until the next day.  Also, it helps to have something outside of school that makes you feel good and that you have actually accomplished something positive, like church or clubs.

Cherie - posted on 03/20/2009

I have been teaching for 31 years and I've been on zoloft for about 10 years or so.  I've tried to get off of them but I can see a big difference in myself when I do.  It zoloft for me.  I use to hide the fact that I was on something but I have found that more and more teachers are on anti-depressants.  I'd rather be in control than stressed out all of the time.

Jennifer - posted on 03/07/2009

I was depressed last school year, and found myself slipping again a few months ago.  I was hesitant about taking medication because I really felt like my depression was situational due to stress I was dealing with.   I started taking a Vitamin b12 tablet every day (trivita sublingual b-12).  I don't know if it is just mind over matter, but I do feel so much better.  I feel happier and have more energy and can cope better with stress.  I know it is easier said than done, but I also try to exercise more.  Just leaving my son with my husband for a half hour and taking a walk alone helps change my mood as well.

Jessica - posted on 03/06/2009

There are teachers that I work with that are taking things like Zoloft and Celexa and these take the edge off. Though there are books with great suggestions that are working to help me handle my stress. They were recommended by my doctor and they are: Potatoes, Not Prozac and The Chemistry of Joy.

Amy - posted on 03/05/2009

I am on Welbutrin, and they are not happy pills like my husband wanted, but they do take the edge off I guess.  I feel like my stress level is much higher, and my patience no existent.  I love my job and love my middle school kids, but there are days when I want to teach from home via satellite!

I try to calm myself, by stopping and doing the whole counting to ten, and by the tiem I get to 50 or so I am ready to attempt to motivate my students, when all they want to do is talk.

Kristen - posted on 03/05/2009

I started taking a "happy pill" 6 mos. after giving birth. I was crying all the time, never felt loved by my husband, no one ever came to see me-just the baby, we fought all the time. I felt disorganized, didn't want to cook, clean, go out, do nothing. My life was my baby. I talked with my gyno and she was very helpful. I also started talking with my friends who were moms and made me feel normal for the first time in a long time. My son is now almost a year old, still taking the "happy pill", and I feel great!

Beth - posted on 03/04/2009

As a teacher of about ten years and now a mummy, i have realised that unfortunately the only thing that can truely help you to avoid stress is to stay right away from the stressful situation or at least take a long break away from it. I am now supply teaching and when a stressful moments occurs i turn away and think of my daughter who is far more intelligent at the age of 13 months than most of the kids i am trying to teach! Deep breaths and more deep breaths helped me.

Casey - posted on 03/04/2009

I like to read a book and sneak in a few pieces of chocolate during a special (except library, cause we have to be there!!), so I feel more refreshed  when they return. Even five minutes of a good book will help me calm down and be a happier girl.

Colleen - posted on 03/03/2009

Not on anything. but some days I wish I was.