Struggles in the Referendariat: "Two days before the teaching trial, I was forced to admit defeat": Future teachers on depression
By Amelia Green
- 6 Min
Briefed two days prior to conducting teaching practice: - Students Admitted Late: "Two days before exam, teacher finds themselves admitted"
Stefanie found herself sprawled on her dark bedroom floor, unable to rise. The motivation that had once filled her after graduation had vanished, and it seemed as though it had never existed in the first place. "It was like a colossal mountain looming before me, an insurmountable obstacle," Stefanie attempts to explain her feelings at the time.
Throughout her referendariat, she was incapable of leaving her bed, attending school, or teaching for extended periods. Stefanie was wrestling with depression. Her partner tried to rouse her, but at first, it was to no avail. "In the end, we got a cat so that I would be obligated to rise and feed it," Stefanie recalls.
- Teacher
- Depression
- Referendariat
- Germany
The Challenges and Coping Strategies
Teachers during their referendariat in Germany often face numerous hurdles that might contribute to or worsen depression. Here are some common issues and strategies for survival:
Hurdles
- Overwhelming Workload: The referendariat is a taxing period, requiring teachers to juggle teaching obligations with additional education and self-study. This relentless workload can bring about stress and burnout.
- High Performance Pressure: The expectation to excel both in teaching and academic evaluations can be overwhelming.
- Emotional Demands: Teaching includes managing classroom dynamics and addressing students' emotional needs, which can be emotionally exhausting.
- Sense of Isolation: Feeling alone, with a lack of support, can amplify feelings of depression.
Survival Strategies
- Reach Out for Professional Help
- Therapy: A trip to a therapist or counselor offers a secure environment to discuss feelings and devise methods for managing depression.
- Support Groups: Find solace in support groups, either online or in-person, to connect with others going through similar struggles.
- Construct a Support Network
- Colleagues and Mentors: Form deep relationships with colleagues or mentors for emotional support and practical advice.
- Friends and Family: Remain connected with friends and family for a sense of belonging and comfort outside of work.
- Incorporate Self-Care Practices
- Physical Activity: Engage in regular exercise for mood improvement and stress reduction.
- Relaxation Techniques: Practices like meditation or yoga can help manage stress and anxiety.
- Hobbies and Interests: Pursue personal interests outside of work to alleviate burnout.
- Master Time Management and Organization
- Prioritize Tasks: Learn to prioritize tasks and set achievable goals to manage workloads and reduce stress.
- Take Breaks: Regularly stepping away from work throughout the day can help maintain energy levels and prevent burnout.
- Seek Resources and Information
- Instructional Resources: Access materials about managing depression, such as online forums or educational resources, for valuable insights and methods.
- Professional Development: Engage in professional development that focuses on mental health to boost your ability to handle stress and depression.
By confronting these obstacles and implementing these coping strategies, teachers can better navigate the difficulties of the referendariat while maintaining their mental well-being.
In the article by Amelia Green titled "Struggles in the Referendariat: 'Two days before the teaching trial, I was forced to admit defeat': Future teachers on depression," it was suggested that mental health, specifically depression, is a common challenge among teachers during their referendariat in Germany. With this in mind, a community policy might include provisions for vocational training in mental-health awareness and health-and-wellness programs to support teachers' mental health, as part of their ongoing professional development. Furthermore, this vocational training could emphasize the importance of science in understanding mental health and provide strategies for addressing depression.
