Behind the Desk: Coping with Depersonalization as a Teacher
There are times when the weight of responsibilities and the challenges in the classroom can lead teachers into a state of depersonalization, where they feel detached from the job and the people they come in contact with while working. In this blog post, we’ll explore the phenomenon of depersonalization among educators, understand how it can reveal itself at work, and provide practical tips for teachers to reconnect with their students, coworkers, and the true essence of their profession.
Understanding Teacher Depersonalization
Depersonalization in teaching occurs when educators, overwhelmed by stress or external pressures, start feeling detached from their role, students, and/or the overall educational environment. An example of this would be going through the motions of doing your job without a genuine emotional investment. When teachers enter survival mode, the personal touch that makes teaching impactful can be lost, leading to a sense of disconnection.
Signs of Teacher Depersonalization
1. Lack of Empathy – A depersonalized teacher might find it challenging to empathize with students’ struggles, both academically and personally. The emotional distance can hinder the ability to connect with students, coworkers, or the work environment.
2. Routine Engagement – When teaching becomes a routine without genuine enthusiasm or interest, it is most likely a signal depersonalization. Teachers may find themselves mechanically delivering lessons without the usual passion.
3. Isolation – Depersonalization often leads to isolation. Teachers may withdraw from colleagues, avoiding collaborative efforts and missing out on the mutual support that a tight-knit professional community can provide.
4. Focus on Compliance – Instead of fostering a nurturing and interactive environment, depersonalized teachers might prioritize maintaining order and compliance in the classroom, overlooking the relational aspects of teaching.
5. Limited Feedback – When feedback becomes solely focused on academic performance rather than addressing the holistic development of students, it reflects a depersonalized approach that neglects the individual needs and growth of each learner.
When teachers experience depersonalization, it does not mean that they are “bad” teachers. Depersonalization/disconnecting is a coping mechanism that can be used to “get through the reality of the moment”. Reasons for this level of disconnection can include: chronic stress, burnout, survival mode, or that teachers are not getting the support they need to engage with their environment.
When this happens, teachers may dread going to work, avoid activities related to their jobs, and disengage while at work. Things that once gave teachers joy or a sense of fulfillment may become mentally draining with no sign of relief in sight.
Short periods of depersonalization can be common with the responsibilities of educators. However, if you find yourself trying to mentally escape your reality often or the thought of thinking about work causes great sadness, additional support may be needed. Depersonalization can become serious and if needed seek the attention of a medical professional.
Below are strategies to help you reconnect if you are feeling a little disengaged from work.
Coping Strategies for Reconnection
1. Reflect on Personal Values
Start by reflecting on your initial motivations for becoming a teacher. Reconnect with the values and ideals that inspired you to enter the profession. What aspects of teaching bring you joy and fulfillment? Write this out and look at it when needed to reconnect with your “why”.
2. Prioritize Self-Care
Teachers often prioritize the well-being of their students over their own. When this happens, you can become resentful of your work. Remember that practicing self-care is not selfish but essential for sustaining a fulfilling teaching career. Establish healthy work-life boundaries and engage in activities that bring you joy outside the classroom. For more support with this, read our blog post, Setting Healthy Boundaries for a More Fulfilling Life.
3. Set Realistic Goals
Establish achievable short-term and long-term goals for yourself. Breaking down larger objectives into manageable steps can provide a sense of accomplishment and motivation to stay connected to your role as an educator. If you are interested in more support with this, read 5 Tips to Help Teachers Deal with Unmet High Expectations.
4. Celebrate Your Successes
Acknowledge and celebrate both small and significant successes in your teaching journey. Recognizing the positive impact you have on students’ lives can rekindle a sense of purpose and personal connection. Write these successes down so that when you are feeling disconnected, you can revisit these accomplishments and know that what you do matters and that you are making a difference that is priceless.
5. Build Meaningful Connections
It is important to surround yourself with positive and encouraging people. It is beneficial to have meaningful connections at work. Your colleagues may be able to relate to your work environment better than anyone else. Your colleagues see you each day and can tell when you are behaving out of character. Having someone at work whom you feel comfortable with can be a valuable resource.
It is also important to have fulfilling relationships outside of the workplace. Teachers need time to disconnect from work every day. Friends and loved ones can help you do this. Building a supportive network can also help combat feelings of isolation and reignite a sense of camaraderie and belonging.
Bonus: Join us for a Teacher Virtual Social Event
One event that we are hosting to help build meaningful connections, celebrate your successes, set realistic goals, prioritize self-care, and allow you to reflect on your personal goals is our virtual Teacher Health & Wellness Bingo Night Events, held every 4th Friday at 6pm CT. This is an opportunity for teachers to:
•Disconnect from work and relax
•Create a realistic health & wellness goal
•Celebrate yourself
•Connect with other teachers to focus on your health & wellness
•Connect with a coach to nurture your nature
During these 2 hours, we will also play a few rounds of health & wellness bingo and have some fun.
We would love to have you. Reconnecting to the workplace can be challenging. Don’t do it alone. TCNfi is here to help. Click here or visit tcnfi.org/bingo to reserve your ticket now!
You deserve this.
Depersonalization is a challenge that many educators face, especially during times of heightened stress or pressure. By understanding the signs and implementing proactive strategies, teachers can navigate depersonalization and rediscover the joy, passion, and connection that drew them to teaching in the first place. Reconnecting with students, colleagues, and the essence of the teaching profession helps teachers be more of their authentic selves and enjoy life on a more engaged present level.
