I need help and advice. Honestly, I always thought teaching was my dream. I spent several years as a substitute dreaming of my own classroom and this August got hired at a school I knew and loved. Score!

But very quickly my dream became a nightmare. I started to have severe anxiety, I stopped eating, couldn't sleep, I began to have thoughts of self harm. I told my principal who was very kind and supportive, he told me to take some time, see a doctor, get medicated. I did that and after a week off and my return date approaching I became increasingly anxious again. I had to call a crisis line and now I'm doing an intensive outpatient program for my anxiety which'll take a month.

Only three weeks as a teacher made my mental health fall apart. In my program I've done a lot of reflecting and one reality I have to face is the values I have about teaching do not match the reality of teaching. Also I am on a personal journey of learning to help others without sacrificing myself and so often it feels like sacrifice is a requirement for this job.

My parents think I will regret quitting, but I don’t know if I see things getting better. I feel guilty as hell about the idea of quitting, though. I truly love this school and I'm worried about how it'll effect the class.

I'd love to hear some advice or personal stories to help me gain a better perspective.