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.
It's that time of year again when a new semester starts. I teach full time from my hospital chaplaincy years, death and dying classes to nursing students at a community college. It's been rewarding these 7 years I've done it since kidney disease took me off the hospital floor into the classroom, and I'm grateful.
However, my despite effective therapy, meds, and this wonderful support group, with age my PTSD symptoms are becoming more difficult to manage in the workplace. Things like panic attacks and flashbacks at work in front of classes full of students.
I've decided not to beat myself up about it, and to celebrate the fact that I'll make it to early retirement age in 2 years to retire to Mexico. To get there, though, I have to make it through Monday's start of a new semester, and 4 more semester starts after that.
I have that anxiety-filled feeling in my stomach you get on a roller coaster. I'm ready on paper, but not really ready in the pit of my stomach. Not really ready at all, I'll have to fake again to make it.
Still, here goes nothin'.
Anybody else going back to school?
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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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Years ago, I won a mirrored armoire from my job. It's in my bedroom but I rarely stand in front of it. Yesterday, I had to have a dexascan done so I had to change into a gown. There was a full length mirror in the changing room. I'm aware that I gained 5 to 7 pounds over the last year from cheating on Keto but I didn't know what it looked like. It was a reality check.
I go back Sunday the 28th.
First time in more than twelve years. got the jitters too.
xo
Clink* * *
Here's to hoping the paperwork rules this time. We'll be here for you as the challenges arise. Remember you are not alone.
I think its Great!! that you made a choice to not get upset with yourself when
your encounter triggers and flashbacks.
Rooting for you Muji.☼
we're here for you each day through it.
((((hugs))))
I don't think standing in front of a class is something I could do, so no matter what, you're already winning in my books.
Think of your milestones and all you've accomplished teaching, sometimes in the face of enormous stigma and challenge.
You got this bud. We believe in Muji!
Paw-bump and much belief you can fake it until you make it!
I know this would be so much easier for you if it weren't for your stupid, unsupportive boss making everything twice as hard as it ought to be.
But maybe it will serve you better to focus on the positive. Remember all the students who have loved you and loved your class. Remember the rich reward of the precious connections you've made. I wonder what new connections and rewarding relationships lie ahead?!
Enter the 27 students for the next class. That class ROCKED! Lots of them came prepared with their books and most of them were in the class on their way to get admitted into the nursing program so they gave a hoot about patients already. They answered my questions quickly, laughed at my jokes, got my point about showing compassion, and stayed after class.
I'm glad they came in that order--the good class being the second one meant its good vibe stayed with me all day.