Keeping everything bottled up inside is what will get you and your school on the evening news. Just like the kids, we blow up when we don't let the negativity out in pieces. I'm not talking about going to happy hour and bumming everyone out or turning it into a group venting session. That just validates the negative feelings or pushes them down until they resurface violently. I'm talking about seeing a real mental health professional.
No, they don't know you, your life, your struggles, or have all the answers, but what the do know, if you find a good one, the questions that they need to ask to get you to really unravel what is causing you pain.
Seeing someone and being open about your feelings doesn't make you crazy or weak, it makes you stronger and better able to face the difficult reality of watching poverty happen in real time on a daily basis. It equips you to better fight against the cycle of negativity that is continuing in front of your very eyes. It fills you up with what you need to keep going so you can continue to be the best and give the best to your students.
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