Is it possible for you to get a stress leave? Depression affects our perspective so very much. If you could possibly get your meds straightened out it might make a huge difference for you.

One thing I've learned (through painful experience) is that if you have a big part of your identity tied up in one area of your life, if your main sense of self-esteem and purpose is identified with that ... then if you lose it, you can really go downhill emotionally. I don't know if that's true for you -- if your job provides that for you -- but it's something to think about.

Your comment, "it's a job I'm very good at, one of the few things I've been good at" hit home with me. When I left my job, it seemed like the right thing to do (for a number of reasons), but I got super depressed from it and never really recovered.

And if you're already feeling like you want to stay home and isolate, and that sets up a red flag for you ... then I guess my advice would be to go into the decision VERY carefully to make sure you're not shooting yourself in the foot.

Another option might be to find a different teaching job? Or work part-time?

I agree with etherize.
Could you find a job at a different school? If I were you I wouldn't quit until I found a replacement job.
The pull to just isolate might be too strong and you might just fall farther down in depression if you have no where to go.
You said that you bonded with some of the kids. Maybe you should concentrate on that. You are probably making a difference in their lives. Co workers I find are rarely as hard working as I am so just don't dwell on their crap.
Wish I had better answers for you.

It's up to you.
Maybe you do need a break. Some time away. If you can still make an income doing something else it isn't too drastic of a move.
Is it just this school? Or could you transfer to another one or are they all basically the same?
It's sad to hear that the kids aren't very happy and the school isn't providing the best place and atmosphere for them.
It sounds like there's bad management and morale is low.
What a shame. These kids need better than that.
It's too much for you to carry the load and sounds like you are getting burned out. If you feel it's time to move on then maybe it is.

I hope whatever decision you make you have peace with it.

Ether is right, IMO. I quit a stressful job where i was not appreciated after 11 years. That was 2008. Within a month, all my plans and dreams for my time at home crashed and burned. Within a year I had serious major depression and went to hospital for a week. I guess its like she said, a majority of my self esteem was tied up in that job.

Ive been thinking about this for awhile. The job is starting to depress me more than I already am. I think I just need to move onto something new. I wont go into all the details, but I just dont get any satisfaction from doing it anymore..no appreciation at all. I feel like im spinning my wheels.

Listen to your inner voice.

It sounds like you are closer to making the change.
I would say give it a shot that's all you can do.

This is always a tough one.

You have to realize if you're negative feelings are completely coming from your job or if that's only a part of it. Sometimes a career change can be just what the doctor ordered but it sounds like part of you really gets satisfaction from your job.

I'm sure you realize that there will always be some bad things at any job. If you have a job where you honestly feel like the bad things are excessive and you really think you can do better than maybe you should start looking at other prospects. If you've been there for over 10 years I can tell you that the vast majority of jobs since the recession are not that good. Employers are really looking to stretch people as much as possible and know that they can kick people around however they please because jobs are so hard to come by.

Maybe you could stay in education and just look for another position. Sometimes change is good, again I must emphasize that you have to make sure you're leaving for the right reasons if you do decide to go that route. Either way your path will find you eventually on it's own.

I wish you luck.

Thank you all for your advice. I will think on it some more...

The new generation needs teachers that actually CARE about children genuinely, and its those teachers that are never forgotten nd loved..
As a student, I love teachers like you, giving everything they have.. We actually need people liek you to stay in the education system for right guidance!
I hope you wont quit because you have a lovely job with kids full of energy around you.

Lost, I am not a teacher, just a para. Alot of contact with the kids/grading papers, library checkout..etc. The teachers in our state are not paid enough & niether are the paras. Its just not worth the stress for what I get paid..