Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Support Group
Find support with others who have gone through a traumatic experience. Whether you have chronic or acute PTSD, we are here for you.
This morning I got so disrespected by an adult student in a class I teach at a community college I just felt humiliated and like quitting. In front of a whole classroom of students, and the adult student didnt just disrespect me directly once, but several times until I told the student to stop of leave.
I reported it to my boss, I had a staff person see it and witnsess for me that it was truly as bad as it seemed to me. But I really felt like quitting my job teaching for the first time in a long time, and I said so in a thread here earlier today.
So I teach a night class. I felt like calling in sick and not going. My PTSD symptoms were going full tilt, and I didnt feel like being around people, much less in front of them as a leader. If one more of those students humiliated me again, I didnt think I could take it.
Turned out to be a beautiful class. I had a guest speaker come in to talk about PTSD and how she recovered, and some students really connected with her. It was worth it not to quit earlier in the day, at least not to stay home and take a sick day. It was worth it to go on and stand in front of this class tonight and introduce this guest speaker who did some good talking to the students in this class.
I dont know if itll be worth it tomorrow, and I dont know if that student in my morning class on Thursday will give me more disrespect and get away with it. But taking it one day at a time, it was good that I didnt give up on this evenings class because of the abuse I took from that student in this mornings class.
Its because I came here for support and daily strenghth that I could do that. I hope others get what they need here like I did today. I really do.
I reported it to my boss, I had a staff person see it and witnsess for me that it was truly as bad as it seemed to me. But I really felt like quitting my job teaching for the first time in a long time, and I said so in a thread here earlier today.
So I teach a night class. I felt like calling in sick and not going. My PTSD symptoms were going full tilt, and I didnt feel like being around people, much less in front of them as a leader. If one more of those students humiliated me again, I didnt think I could take it.
Turned out to be a beautiful class. I had a guest speaker come in to talk about PTSD and how she recovered, and some students really connected with her. It was worth it not to quit earlier in the day, at least not to stay home and take a sick day. It was worth it to go on and stand in front of this class tonight and introduce this guest speaker who did some good talking to the students in this class.
I dont know if itll be worth it tomorrow, and I dont know if that student in my morning class on Thursday will give me more disrespect and get away with it. But taking it one day at a time, it was good that I didnt give up on this evenings class because of the abuse I took from that student in this mornings class.
Its because I came here for support and daily strenghth that I could do that. I hope others get what they need here like I did today. I really do.
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I haven't written in my diary on my computer since May because I thought that my computer was dying. I got away from writing but my computer is hanging in there. I think that I will start writing in it again. It's so therapeutic.
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First, I hope everyone is doing well, and continuing to fight that good fight! Keep up the great work on yourselves; I'm rooting for all of you!So, I started doing therapy at the beginning of the year, when I was in my most depressed state, but with my therapist, I made big changes and steps in the right direction. But, over a month ago, she couldn't take my insurance anymore, and I had to stop...
You have to push the PTSD vehicle out of the way, and do what is right.
You and Jon(Mojo) did that today!.
"i don't know if that student in my morning class on Thursday will give me more disrespect and get away with it.".....
with all due respect muji. don't do it. say no. i admit to a don't turn the other cheek bias. however, you are innocently allowing this perpetrator to get away with it. it is not a good thing for you or the class. and you are doing the aggressor no favors.
yes life is really probabilities and possibilities. no guarantees.
but in all probability you are doing the person a favor by saying no. with compassion but no never the less.
this is a power vs power situation.
muji, power is a scary thing. i know. but you must exercise it to keep your class in good order.
i have very often been in difficult power situations. and i utter the words with deep sincerity
"i am sorry sir/mam but you must........"
treat the student with sincerity and dignity by uttering sir/mam and pure courtesy, but , insist on proper decorum or leave. no second chance no second guessing.
you are the leader. you must learned to exercise power. and you will teach your students something about the use of power in a proper manner.
something our society is seriously lacking.
Again, I am so inspired by you!
May I ask if the troubling student is student # 2 you spoke of a while ago? (Emphasis on # 2)
Way to keep going, Muji!
Sometimes, you simply bring tears to my eyes -- a rare thing, a good thing, and meant in a 110% positive way.
You just rock !!!
" Amazing how often we get a rainbow out of the most threatening of storm clouds when we nudge ourselves to just keep going. "
another keeper, on this road.
I talked to my boss today about that student I have to go face tomorrow. My boss prepared the paperwork for that student to be expelled if they repeat the disrespect again tomorrow. We'll see what happens, but I really felt supported by my boss today.
Rafyel, you were right, and so that's why I followed through.
I've gotten more support from my boss since I started posting here about work stuff, getting advice, and then acting on it. I actually sometimes cut and paste my rants (toned down) from here and email them to my boss when I need support. I've had a hard time speaking up for myself, but you folks really help me do that. It feels good!
That's so good to know admin has your back. Can you PM me and tell me what the student did and what you said to admin, as I have to put on my armor every day and could use YOUR expertise in this case!
It's tonight, right? Classes on Halloween. Fun. Not.
I'd speak to that student before you start class and give #3 the heads up about the possible consequences. If that means he/she storms out, so be it. BTW- I don't know what it was, but it's ironic that maybe he/she was triggering by doing whatever it was???
Today the student that disrespected me earlier in the week did it again. Fortunately, the head of security for the college was there and saw it for himself and spoke up for me. The student then stormed out of class.
I didnt even have to answer the student for myself, which was kind of nice. Its a shame the disrespect goes on, but I have official support.
What do you guys do when you feel this way?
(Jewells yes), Muji, 'we have to push the PTSD vehicle out of the way' I love that! It SUCKS. But we gotta bulldoze thru cuz NOONE else will or can do it for us! That person(s) are totally in the wrong. and you r okay.
except I'm exception to the rule; as my docs are concerned about my heart. I am so fatigued lately, that i can't even pick up my laptop to use!
I am sleeping 'around the clock' whenever I can. Today is a good day!
I hope your teaching session/class went ok for you. -You'll do just fine.