Teacher needs help to overcome mental illness

A 33-year-old teacher has reached out to her fellow man for assistance to fund essential therapy and medical treatment to overcome a mental health crisis so she can return to the classroom.

Jane*, who has been diagnosed with depression and bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, was recently advised by her principal to take a leave of absence to focus on her recovery.

"Teaching has always been my calling and I get joy from seeing my students learn, but, over the past few years, I have been grappling with significant mental health issues and it has taken a toll on my life and livelihood," she said.

Determined to bounce back from her challenges, the teacher has started a campaign on the crowd-funding platform, Real Helping Hands, with the hope of raising US$34,000 or approximately J$5.3 million to help her recovery. Jane said the funds would cover intensive therapy sessions, medications and treatments, as well as holistic wellness programmes such as mindfulness and stress management.

Jane said she relied on medication to control her mental illness, but has found them ineffective in recent weeks. She told THE WEEKEND STAR that she has been experiencing bouts of hallucinations.

"I am seeing things but it's me alone that is seeing them. If I tell persons this, they will think I am crazy ... I still do everything like normal, including going on the road and taking care of business, but I am seeing things," she said.

"The principal at the school that I teach realised that something is wrong and said I should stay home and rest. I am currently on medication and I think it is working somewhat, but I want to return to the classroom. I want to get more intensive treatment, so any assistance would be greatly appreciated," she added.

Jane's mother, Mary, told this newspaper that it pains her heart to see her daughter in this condition.

"Just recently, we carried her to do a brain scan and the results came back normal. She loves her job. All of this don't make me feel comfortable. Just the other day, I went to look for her and she was there crying and tears came to my eyes too. I am just praying and trusting God for Him to make a change in her life. We don't have any history of mental health issues. She is a very bright girl and was always an overachiever. I just want her to be okay again," Mary said.

In the meantime, consultant psychiatrist Dr Geoffrey Walcott said that Jane, with the appropriate treatment, will be able to lead a normal life.

"She can function as she has done for several years before, despite the diagnosis," he said. "The issue now is acute stabilisation and finding an appropriate medication regime that works."

Donations towards Jane's recovery may be made at: https://realhelpinghands.com/campaign/high-school-teacher-needs-your-hel...

* Name changed to protect identity.