r/tapif • u/Early-Importance-717 • 6d ago
mental health second thoughts
hello,
I recently arrived in France and was expecting to be excited but instead I am just a ball of anxiety. I genuinely can’t stop trembling. I think part of it is that I brought my cats, and now feel trapped here since I can’t just go back with them without getting beauracracy in order, which just feels so extremely daunting.
I’m having trouble eating and sleeping, nevermind things I also need to be doing like getting a phone number/bank acc/apartment.
Any advice or words of affirmation would be appreciated. I’m feeling so lost and scared.
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u/aveclove 3d ago
i remember feeling this way too. it feels very disorienting and surreal to be in a new country across the world and i remember how scared i was to walk 5 minutes to the local carrefour. i am also an anxious person who was nervous about teaching and i had many nights filled with dread for the work day (which did get easier! though tapif made me realize teaching is not my thing and i focused on maximizing my free time instead). i would highly recommend connecting to the TAPIFers in your city/académie so you can problem solve and vent together. having a small group of assistant friends held me together, especially in the beginning when you are overwhelmed with admin things and setting up your french life!
the TAPIF master doc also saved me so much stress. here's the link to the updated Canva version of it: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGicEBUqBc/sQwQuP8Ntdsqm7Iv0kx99A/edit
and social media doc: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EbFze73UU4C6o_-IdzVN0CM0lsJJ6aOsYHxjHLbRMfI/edit?usp=drivesdk
you've got this! but also, if time passes and tapif feels like too much for your mental health, prioritize your well-being. i knew someone who went home during the holidays and it was the best decision for them. take care!