Why do teachers feel anxious and fearful as soon as they start work, and what can be done about it?

Generally, the reasons why teachers may feel anxious and fearful upon starting work include teaching pressure, workload, social phobia, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and other factors. If experiencing discomfort, it is recommended to seek timely medical treatment. The detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Teaching Pressure

Teachers face significant teaching pressure, needing to ensure students' academic performance and outcomes. Under such circumstances, they may experience anxiety, fear, and confusion, worrying whether their teaching methods are effective or if they can meet students' needs. It is advisable to share these pressures and concerns with colleagues, family, or friends to seek understanding, support, and advice.

2. Workload

Teachers typically carry a heavy workload, including handling numerous documents, assessments, and reports. This may lead to worries about being unable to manage the workload, resulting in symptoms such as anxiety, fatigue, fear, and emotional instability. It is recommended to plan and manage time effectively by setting priorities and establishing a reasonable work schedule. Ensure adequate rest and relaxation time to avoid overworking.

3. Social Phobia

Social phobia may be related to an individual's social environment and personal experiences. Teachers must interact with students through face-to-face instruction, asking and answering questions. For individuals with social phobia, such interactions may trigger intense anxiety, distress, fear, and shyness, along with concerns about embarrassment or making mistakes in front of students. Treatment may include medications such as mirtazapine tablets, maprotiline hydrochloride tablets, or venlafaxine hydrochloride sustained-release capsules, taken as prescribed by a physician.

4. Anxiety Disorder

Anxiety disorders may arise from psychological factors. Individuals with anxiety disorders often tend to worry excessively and engage in negative thinking patterns. Teachers may worry about their teaching abilities, student performance, or relationships with colleagues and parents. Such negative thought patterns can cause them to feel anxious and fearful as soon as they arrive at work. Medications such as oxazepam tablets, amitriptyline hydrochloride tablets, or lorazepam tablets may be used under a doctor’s guidance for treatment.

5. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

OCD may be influenced by genetic factors. Individuals with OCD often experience intrusive, uncontrollable, and distressing thoughts known as obsessions. Teachers may develop obsessions related to teaching, such as repeatedly doubting whether their lesson preparation is sufficient or whether students fully understand the material. These obsessive thoughts can lead to anxiety and fear upon arriving at work. Treatment options include medications such as sertraline hydrochloride capsules, fluoxetine hydrochloride capsules, or paroxetine hydrochloride tablets, taken as directed by a healthcare provider.

In addition, practicing deep breathing and relaxation exercises before class can help alleviate tension. Deep breathing helps regulate breathing rhythm and promotes physical and mental relaxation.