From the Teacher Support Network, www.teachersupport.info.

“DEPRESSION WOULD HAVE COST ME MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS, IF I HADN’T SPOKEN TO TEACHER SUPPORT NETWORK” - SAMIR'S STORY*

"I had been teaching for four years and had been feeling unhappy for a long time and was worried I might be suffering from depression. I was working very long hours, going in at weekends and as a result was not enjoying being in the classroom or at home with my family. I even gave up playing football with my mates on Wednesdays and Sundays, just to fit everything in! I felt unsupported by my headteacher and was lonely and isolated. I thought all was lost in my relationships at work and at home"

Samir decided to call Teacher Support Network.

When Samir called Teacher Support Network, his call was answered by a trained coach, who reassured him that his problems could be overcome. The coach encouraged him to see the link between the situation at work and his feelings of sadness. Samir and his coach agreed that Samir would do the following:

• Talk to the headteacher explaining his situation and describing his excessive workload
• Ensure work was completed within school hours by prioritising tasks using lists and setting himself deadlines
• Communicate with his wife about the problems he was facing and ensure time was set aside to spend with his wife and their children
• Start playing football regularly again as a positive way to improve his mental wellbeing and rebuild relationships both at home and at work

After working with our coach for six weeks, Samir felt more in control and less intimidated by his problems. He started to enjoy his work again and felt reconnected with his family. In his last call, Samir described himself as 'a new man!'

Without your help, Teacher Support Network could not continue to improve the lives of teachers like Samir. £25 will help pay for a 30 minute call with a trained coach on our Support Line.   You can donate by clicking here