It’s your life. It’s your  Health. You Decide.

Perhaps someday we’ll know what drove Jesse Randall Davidson, a 53-year-old Social Studies teacher to his breaking point. But for now, all we know is that yet another gun has found its way into a school and has made headlines all around the world.
He was arrested after firing his gun and barricading himself inside his classroom for a few hours. No one was hurt during this incident and this wasn’t Davidson’s first time exhibiting signs of mental illness.

History of mental illness

Two years ago he was hospitalized after expressing suicidal thoughts. Last year he left work early saying he didn’t feel well and was found a few hours later sitting on a curb about a mile from the school. He was again hospitalized when he wasn’t able to respond to police questioning.
After his arrest, Davidson was released to a mental health facility after posting bond and will report to jail after a full psychiatric evaluation is done. His attorney said that Davidson had suffered a complete mental breakdown and was extremely apologetic about the incident that capped off an extremely difficult time of his life. Davidson was a career changer who worked several years as a sports and news director at a local radio station before entering the classroom in his early forties. Six years ago he was honored as an exemplary teacher and was the play-by-play announcer for the football team. News reports peg him as an extremely likable teacher who was inspiring and had a great sense of humor.

Students show their love and support

Two days ago, his current and former students marched from the Dalton High School football field to the Whitfield County courthouse carrying signs that showed their support of their beleaguered teacher and to raise awareness that mental health matters. Although they don’t condone his actions they want him and the community to know what kind of a person he is and his contributions to their lives.
I used to tell my students that teachers are a bit psycho to work in an environment where they’re always outnumbered. Although this was meant to be a joke the reality is that the sheer number of people you come in contact with on any given day and the attitudes, problems, and energy they bring into the classroom can be toxic and we’re not immune to it.
Signs & Symptoms of
I’m sure there are many more teachers who are at their breaking point and have no idea of the warning signs of burnout and mental exhaustion. Teaching is mentally taxing and some days are hard as hell.

Signs & Symptoms of an Emotional or Mental Collapse

You may be on the verge of an emotional or psychological collapse if you have bouts of uncontrollable crying, have severe depression, and feel as if you are unable to function properly in your daily life. You may also feel extremely tired, weak and easily confused.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms it’s imperative that you seek help immediately.
It’s important to talk to a mental health professional if you are experiencing just one of these symptoms because your life matters and you have options.

PS: Do you know a teacher who’s on the brink of a breakdown? What are you willing to do to help? Let’s start the conversation here.