Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Support Group
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Last week I vented about some disruptive students in my community college class. Your replies suggested I go beyond venting and thinking of quitting to asking my boss for help. I took the unusual step of printing off your replies from here at DS PTSD. I gave them to my boss by way of asking for that help.
It worked. My boss, who is my department's chairperson, went to the Vice President of the community college. They're both asking me to document everything these students have done in class. They also want me to document when these students laughed in my face in my office. I told these young women there that I cared about them and asked the to stop disrupting and care about me and the class. They didn't.
I took the soft approach because there are 3 of them and 1 of me. It looks like my boss and the VP are about to throw the book at these students, though. It needs to be done. Other students have gone directly and complained to my boss, too, I'm glad to say. Those other young women told her the disruptive students are messing the class up for everyone.
Meanwhile, I show up for class, put on my brave face, and teach through more disruptions each day until the bosses take their action. Please send your support so I can endure peacefully until then. Prayers of protection appreciated, too, about, say, vandalism to my car in the parking lot in revenge, etc. My PTSD hypervigilance symptoms have been triggered.
Much, much gratitude for your support. Advice welcome.
It worked. My boss, who is my department's chairperson, went to the Vice President of the community college. They're both asking me to document everything these students have done in class. They also want me to document when these students laughed in my face in my office. I told these young women there that I cared about them and asked the to stop disrupting and care about me and the class. They didn't.
I took the soft approach because there are 3 of them and 1 of me. It looks like my boss and the VP are about to throw the book at these students, though. It needs to be done. Other students have gone directly and complained to my boss, too, I'm glad to say. Those other young women told her the disruptive students are messing the class up for everyone.
Meanwhile, I show up for class, put on my brave face, and teach through more disruptions each day until the bosses take their action. Please send your support so I can endure peacefully until then. Prayers of protection appreciated, too, about, say, vandalism to my car in the parking lot in revenge, etc. My PTSD hypervigilance symptoms have been triggered.
Much, much gratitude for your support. Advice welcome.
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Hey All...I hope that you have a lovely, peaceful beginning of your weekI have a bunch of chores that need doing but may put them off til tomorrow and just hang out with my landlord/roomie todayWhat about you?...Anything special going on?Have a great day and take good care of you!!..Xo
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Once again I've had a fever today. I'm not going to the hospital because that's a huge waste of time but I did schedule a dr appointment for Wednesday afternoon.
plus remember you always have your own league of guardians watching your back. just call on them.
we usually carry a stuffy around during high stress times. might consider something you can hold in you hands during classes that is discreet yet comforting to touch to ground you.
bravo for taking the steps you have! Gypsy hive
Travel with that big cat at your side, feel its quiet power at your back. Its eyes are upon the disruptors. Yours do not need to be.
(Did you report the vandalism to the police? Damage like that is criminal, IMO.)
I also carry a little beanie baby type stuffed animal with me --- a tortoise, to remind me to be slow, that I have a safe shell ---
Or carry with you a scent ball---something that warms you and empowers you---I use spices off my rack in the kitchen. I use a little handkerchief, put a tablespoon of the spice/herbs in there, use a twist-tie to make a "ball" of cloth around it, and shove it in a pocket. I use it to "dab my nose" like I've got a cold but in fact am inhaling the scent I like. (Perfumed hankies work too, obviously, I just am food-oriented---Garam Masala, cinnamon, bay leaves, etc.)
I am scattered, I apologize. Know we are guarding your spirit.
i love the scent ball idea Leo. might start using it myself. we usually lean towards crystals. i have everything crystal gridded for protection, ect.
i don't know if all this from us is getting too mystic though for you muji.
either way we are still there with you and i do know that if you are not the only one to bring this up the the authorities the offenders will get the consequences of their actions full course. and i agree you should seek criminal action against the car acid incident.
You took the right stand, in the right circumstance, and in the absolutely right way.
And you're suffering blowback as a consequence.
I think you know ... I hope you know ... I KNOW you know ... how much this resonates with me.
Call the police.
Call the press (I'm not kidding).
Do something ... (legal).
I'm a big believer in picking and choosing your battles, AND fighting the fights you can win, but .... your car having been vandalized ... to me ... cannot go unanswered (via the law).
There are jackals among you, just as there were jackals around me. They smelled weakness in me, and went into predator mode, just as they suspect weakness in you, and are ALSO going into predator mode.
You need all the resources you can muster. I'm not kidding about the press.
When my world collapsed, I was in no position to flee. I'm not sure you are either -- at least, not quickly. But you need to protect yourself WHILE you decide what's best for YOU, longer term.
I'm so sorry. I wish I could come to your defense, in the 3-D world. I really do.
Meaning ... the vandalism could have been connected to either of those two parties or ... who knows what else.
If just may be wise to be sure the Police know about your parent's erstwhile mouthpiece, too.
Man. I'm so profoundly sorry. This just sucks.
Whew!
Anyway, believe it or not, coming here helps so much that in spite of all of these challenges, I have good moments in between them, little bonuses. String enough of these bonuses together, and you've got yourself a life, I'm finding.
Couldn't do it without you all, though. Thanks DS PTSD!
I hope that the director of the program won't take much longer as it continues to be difficult for you and the class
I think working with the management is good... It often takes teamwork ... I think these girls are far too immature to be nurses at this point in their lives... .. You stepping up like this could be saving someone from a lot more hurt ... Imagine a loved one being cared for by someone who's into bullying... and you can feel really good about this as hard as it is..
Big hug for you muji... Taking this step is important for a lot of people present and future... God bless you for taking it...xo
No one should have to put up with this. If they are disruptive, ask them to leave. This is your room, and not fair to the others. Keep documenting and what you do to stop it and how they are acting. I don't want this to backfire on you and have a student complain you do not have control of your classroom. Kick them out. Document everything and send it to your boss daily. Oh, and use your phone to record it too. Then there is no dispute about what has been said and what has not been said, should it come back on you. You are in charge of your room and your looking out for the best interests of the majority who are respectful. Ask nicely for them not to disrupt others, if they continue, ask again and remind them you have asked once and tell them next time they will be asked to leave, next time ask them to leave. if they refuse, call security.
As for the vandalism, did you report it to the police yet? That's WAY triggering. Do you think it was one of your students?
What's the class? Any way to work in bullying into the lesson, if you get my drift???
PLEASE update us.
As for kicking them out of the class and/or program, I'd try to align it with getting proof of who did the vandalism. It'd be great to press charges at the same time.
Hugs.
But I suggest a run to the nearest electronics store...explain you need some sort of camera system for your car that can be left on when the car is off...battery powered.
Also, if not fully covered, get full coverage,and be sure to park in a well-lit area.
I'd also push for their employer to be notified. They should be ordered therapy/anger management classes. I would NOT want them taking care of my loved ones!
I'd also ask public safety to meet you in the parking lot all this week so they can walk you to and from classes and request that your car is monitored. Not only for your protection, but in case they are casing the joint, they will know that you are on them.
Waiting to hear how it goes.