Recognizing When to Seek Support
Sometimes self-care strategies aren’t enough, and you need additional support. Recognizing when you’ve reached this point—and knowing what types of support are available—is crucial for your wellbeing and career longevity. Here are ways to identify warning signs that indicate professional or personal support is needed, understand your options, and overcome barriers to seeking help.
Internal Warning Signs
Daily Functioning Impact
- Difficulty sleeping due to work stress
- Loss of appetite or overeating due to stress
- Feeling anxious or dreading work most days
- Irritability affecting personal relationships
- Physical symptoms (headaches, stomach issues, etc.)
Professional Performance Changes
- Avoiding challenging conversations
- Calling in sick more frequently
- Procrastinating on important tasks
- Feeling disconnected from students
- Loss of creativity or enthusiasm for teaching
Emotional and Mental Health
- Feeling hopeless about teaching situation
- Crying frequently about work
- Feeling isolated from colleagues
- Questioning your competence constantly
- Unable to enjoy non-work activities
Types of Support Available
Within Your School
- Mentor teacher – professional guidance and perspective
- Grade level/department colleagues – practical support and collaboration
- Administration – policy questions, parent concerns, resources
- Counselor/social worker – student-related concerns and strategies
- Instructional coaches – teaching strategies and classroom management
Professional Support
- Teacher support groups – peer connection and shared experiences
- Professional development – skill building and confidence
- Educational consultants – specialized strategies
- Professional therapy – personal mental health support
- Career counseling – long-term professional planning
Personal Support
- Family and friends – emotional support and perspective
- Healthcare providers – physical and mental health
- Spiritual/religious communities – values-based support
- Hobbies and interests – identity beyond teaching
- Exercise/wellness communities – stress relief and health
How to Ask for Help
Professional Help Scripts
To a mentor: “I’m struggling with [specific issue]. Could we talk about some strategies that might help?”
To administration: “I need some guidance on [situation]. When would be a good time to discuss this?”
To colleagues: “I’m having challenges with [issue]. Have you experienced something similar? What worked for you?”
Personal Support Scripts
To friends/family: “I’m going through a tough time at work. I don’t need advice, just someone to listen.”
To therapist/counselor: “Teaching stress is affecting my daily life. I’d like help developing coping strategies.”
To doctor: “Work stress may be affecting my physical health. Can we talk about this?”
