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.
I teach nursing students the care of terminal patients at a community college because I was a hospital chaplain in the field for 10 years. Usually it's really rewarding and manageable even with PTSD.
I teach 2 morning classes back to back. The first one went very well today. In the 2nd one, though, 3 young women who have sat together since the semester started talked loudly to each other while I was presenting a paper point on screen. It got to where I couldn't hear myself, and I asked for them to stop. They didn't.
After class, I asked them to my office to explain why I needed turn taking when it came to speaking in class, and for them to ask me questions raising their hands. Basic classroom stuff. I asked them about their future plans for careers after school, where they came from, what year they were in. Just tried to show I cared about them, and asked them to care about what I need in class.
They laughed in my face, literally, yawning and egging each other on to mock me right there in my office. It wasn't just something to make me angry, it was just so sad. I'm 56 years old now, I've got PTSD, and I wonder if I should keep on teaching or give it up.
I have a night class to go teach on the same subject right now, and I'm frankly afraid to go. This experience has my PTSD really going, and I don't have a lot of self-confidence for standing up in front of a group of people after today's experience with these students. I'm just really tired of making the extra effort, I suppose.
How to recover from disrespect? Suggestions requested, please. Thanks.
I teach 2 morning classes back to back. The first one went very well today. In the 2nd one, though, 3 young women who have sat together since the semester started talked loudly to each other while I was presenting a paper point on screen. It got to where I couldn't hear myself, and I asked for them to stop. They didn't.
After class, I asked them to my office to explain why I needed turn taking when it came to speaking in class, and for them to ask me questions raising their hands. Basic classroom stuff. I asked them about their future plans for careers after school, where they came from, what year they were in. Just tried to show I cared about them, and asked them to care about what I need in class.
They laughed in my face, literally, yawning and egging each other on to mock me right there in my office. It wasn't just something to make me angry, it was just so sad. I'm 56 years old now, I've got PTSD, and I wonder if I should keep on teaching or give it up.
I have a night class to go teach on the same subject right now, and I'm frankly afraid to go. This experience has my PTSD really going, and I don't have a lot of self-confidence for standing up in front of a group of people after today's experience with these students. I'm just really tired of making the extra effort, I suppose.
How to recover from disrespect? Suggestions requested, please. Thanks.
Next time, just kick those girls out of the class, and give them a poor grade if that's what they've earned. you do no need to put up with them disrupting. it is no longer high school, but they don't know that.
Your night class will likely have adults in it, so I wouldn't worry much about that. I hope you went.
It's just coincidence that this happened on the same night...there's flu and shingles going around, so maybe the night class was singularly unlucky.
If you do go in tomorrow, please think of us all when you are there knowing we are standing by your side.
It IS us to a certain degree. I'm sorry to say, but bullies bully those they know they can bully.
They took our kindness for weakness. I'm sure they don't do that with a jerk of a boss or some alpha personality b/c they know that that type of person would crush them like a Saltine.
What to do now? Keep reporting it.
For me, they bullied because all they had to do was run to Mommie and Daddie and the school would get a complaint about me and administration would side with the parents and not me.
But you are dealing with adults, so I'd think you'd have more recourse.
I'd proceed from now on by making a sheet for each class to get their signature. At the top, restate the attendance policy and class codes of conduct. Word it very coolly and pull phrases from the colleges policy book. That way, they have been warned that they risk being asked to leave the class permanently if their attendance or behavior becomes an issue.
It'll make you feel better and you'll have documentation that you warned everybody fairly.
Add to that the fact that my PTSD symptoms kick in--fight or flight, flashbacks, and I become a stuttering mess.
Hope I get the support from my boss that I need. I do well to keep up with the classwork and the homework, and don't have the extra margin of energy to put people in their place, too. That's one reason why I wonder if I have it in me to keep teaching any more, or whether it's time to do something else or apply for disability or something. It's scary to think about, but I'm sorting and sifting...
Sorting, sitting and getting a lot of help is the thing to do. I wish you the best with your up coming struggle to decide. What we do is so much a part of who we are and that makes it hard. Just know my thoughts are with you. NAMASTE
If you do choose to ocntinue, perhaps you can rehearse a response? Something like, "And that, class," (pointing out the disrespectful ones) "is something you'll see when you deal with terminal patients: disrespect for both the patient and the professionals."
I base that on the fact my mom as a nurse had a *ton* of run-ins with family members who'd rather be getting manicures than dealing with their ailing relatives.
Maybe it would be wise to take some time to think about what you want and need deep down in your heart, if it is worth the stress and anguish. I am not sure how it would effect your retirement but I am sure disability is an option if you chose to do so. I do believe you deserve the best Muji and to enjoy the beautiful things life does have to offer.
Sweet peace to you my friend.
really i agree with arfie im not a teacher but i would of made them leave, i would of given them one warning but i dont know your position , yes you should go back dont let the wineres get to you grr this behavior is makes them very small hugs min
She decided to take charge and be the bad cop and deal with those students' disrespect on my behalf.
I'm telling you, DS PTSD really helps me in my life offline. Thank you so much. I wanted you to know in this follow up you made a difference.
Muji
As for retiring, ONLY do that b/c you don't/can't teach any more. Remember your pension.
Do NOT think of quitting b/c OTHERS are pushing you into it in any way. Those miserable females will not be around in your life in a few years when your checks may not cover expenses or health issues.
I also tend to think that inertia keeps us together. If you retire, you may find that your condition worsens.
Only you know what's best for you, but students should NOT be the reason.
Hugs.
They don't deserve to be in your class if they are going to act that way.