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Posted by Elle2021 on February 7, 2004, at 2:47:21
In reply to Gardener Girl... » deirdrehbrt, posted by Elle2021 on February 7, 2004, at 2:45:52
Posted by gardenergirl on February 7, 2004, at 13:43:06
In reply to Gardener Girl... » deirdrehbrt, posted by Elle2021 on February 7, 2004, at 2:45:52
My first two years in grad school I taught as a TA. I have also taught in another profession for a couple of years at a two year college. I always wonder if I will encounter someone I know on these boards. Are you in the midwest?
gg
Posted by Elle2021 on February 7, 2004, at 16:08:13
In reply to Re: Gardener Girl... » Elle2021, posted by gardenergirl on February 7, 2004, at 13:43:06
> I have also taught in another profession for a couple of years at a two year college.
Yet another ironic coincidence... I'm at a two-year college, taking Abnormal Psychology.
>I always wonder if I will encounter someone I know on these boards. Are you in the midwest?
Nope!
But really, until you mentioned the midwest (by that I assume you mean Illinois, Inidana, Ohio, etc)I thought you were my psych. teacher! It was really getting weird because I would read one of your posts on here, and then go to class and she would say virtually the exact same thing! :)
Elle
Posted by gardenergirl on February 7, 2004, at 16:20:23
In reply to Re: Gardener Girl..., posted by Elle2021 on February 7, 2004, at 16:08:13
Weird. Although once Karen_Kay posted something eerily similar to what I worked on with a client the day before.
Good luck in your studies. I hope you are doing better. Did you ever talk to your profs, or did things just get better?
gg
Posted by Elle2021 on February 7, 2004, at 16:49:29
In reply to Re: Gardener Girl..., posted by gardenergirl on February 7, 2004, at 16:20:23
> Good luck in your studies. I hope you are doing better. Did you ever talk to your profs, or did things just get better?
Well, some of my depression has lifted. No, I never talked to my professors. I did tell my T about it and she taught be some coping skills that seem to be making things manageable. This coming week, I will have to sit through some material in my pscyh class that is going to make me really uncomfortable...I better get to practicing those coping skills. :)
Elle
Posted by gardenergirl on February 7, 2004, at 18:10:35
In reply to Re: Gardener Girl... » gardenergirl, posted by Elle2021 on February 7, 2004, at 16:49:29
Glad to hear things are going better and that your T helped. Just one thought...if a student came to me and explained that she didn't feel comfortable about upcoming material, I think I would seriously consider excusing her for the day. I might ask her to do something like write a brief assignment to make up for it, but I know I would not want to think that I was triggering somebody with a lecture or assignment.
Do you think your prof. would be flexible without you having to reveal too much?
gg
Posted by holymama on February 7, 2004, at 18:17:54
In reply to Re: Best Wardrobe Malfunctions poll » gardenergirl, posted by Karen_kay on February 4, 2004, at 19:15:44
I was at an outdoor agricultural fair last fall and had to use the porta potty. Well, trying not to sit on the germy toilet seat, I ended up in that well known female squatty position and ended up peeing ALL OVER MY PANTS. I mean, all over. What can one do in such a situation? Zip my pants up, hold my head high, and enjoy the fair!!
Posted by Elle2021 on February 7, 2004, at 19:51:07
In reply to Re: Gardener Girl... » Elle2021, posted by gardenergirl on February 7, 2004, at 18:10:35
> Do you think your prof. would be flexible without you having to reveal too much?
My therapist didn't think so. She said she doesn't think the teacher will believe me if I am calm and composed while telling her why I can't be in class next week. I also don't think I would be able to remain composed anyway...I'd probably start crying and shaking etc (it would be embarrassing). I know for sure the info will be triggering. But getting triggered might actually turn out to be good because then my T and I can start working on this specific problem I'm having. I'm still scared about it, and I don't want to have a panic attack in the middle of the classroom. So, I've decided to go to class, and if things start getting overwhelming, I will just get up and leave, unless it's too late and I have a panic attack and can't move, but I'm hoping that won't happen. I've had panic attacks for quite a while now, so I think I can pretty much detect when I'm about to have one. Plus I have my benzos, so those should help. Thank you for all your advice and support GG, it's been very helpful. I can tell you're a wonderful therapist!
Elle
Posted by fallsfall on February 7, 2004, at 20:34:25
In reply to Re: Gardener Girl... » gardenergirl, posted by Elle2021 on February 7, 2004, at 19:51:07
Elle,
Can you sit next to a friend in the class, so if you need something someone will know what is going on? I'd offer to sit next to you, but I'm not enrolled in the class...
Posted by Elle2021 on February 7, 2004, at 21:25:26
In reply to Re: Gardener Girl... » Elle2021, posted by fallsfall on February 7, 2004, at 20:34:25
>Can you sit next to a friend in the class, so if you need something someone will know what is going on?
I wish I could. Although I do know some of the people in the class, I wouldn't feel comfortable telling any of them what's going on with me. There are some people in the class that just aren't very understanding in regard to mental illness. I'm really hoping that just the anticipation of discussing the triggering topic will be the worst of it, and that the real thing will be not as bad as I'm thinking. But, the last time I had class, I had a taste of what's coming, and found myself uncomfortable. I felt that way because even though no one knows that I have Panic disorder, OCD (thats what we are talking about) I feel like they are all thinking about me, something like, "that must be what she has." Does that sound irrational? I know it's not logical... I feel like I can't even speak up in class out of fear that I might accidently drop some hint or detail that I have both of these disorders.
Elle
Posted by fallsfall on February 7, 2004, at 22:59:35
In reply to Re: Gardener Girl... » fallsfall, posted by Elle2021 on February 7, 2004, at 21:25:26
One would think that people in a Psych class would have some compassion and understanding - or at least some curiosity as to what it is really like. When I have told people about my illness, I have been pleasantly surprised by their reactions (It is true that I don't tell everyone, but most people I do tell have a friend or relative or themselves who they can talk about going through something). I guess that I would feel better if someone else knew what my situation was, but you need to do what feels right to you.
Do you have a comfort toy? I carry a rabbit's foot with me. It is very soft and fiddling with it comforts me. It is small enough to be discrete and fits easily in my pocket. I have a friend who carries a "worry stone" (it is a smooth flat stone with an indentation - she usually slides her thumb along the indentation). These things are comforting and let you discharge some nervous energy without being really obvious about it. My rabbit's foot is wearing out - I just bought a new one - the new one is purple, and the dye comes off all over my hands! I have to figure out if I can rinse the dye out...
They probably don't think that you "have" anything. I'll be thinking of you next week.
Posted by Elle2021 on February 7, 2004, at 23:17:09
In reply to Re: Psych class » Elle2021, posted by fallsfall on February 7, 2004, at 22:59:35
> One would think that people in a Psych class would have some compassion and understanding -
Let me rephrase. Most of the people seem understanding, but there are about three people who ruin the class for everybody because of their uncivil comments.
>When I have told people about my illness, I have been pleasantly surprised by their reactions
I wish I was... The very few people I have told that I was seeing a therapist didn't understand why and instructed me to "snap out of it." After having people constantly tell me that if I really wanted to fix this I could, I just stopped telling people. They don't get it. I get no benefits from sharing it, only negative feelings from those people. My therapist understands, the people here understand, and I understand. I suppose if I ever get married, I will have to either find someone else who has suffered from a mental illness (imagine our poor children) or who understands it. What a task...
About comfort toys. I used to have a worry stone, but I believe I dropped it and it broke. Sometimes I just tap my pen, but that seems to annoy people. :) I also used to have a rubberband. But, after stretching it and having it accidently fly off and hit someone, I quit playing with it. So...hmm. I will have to find a toy to bring with me. Something soft. I wish I had a small picture of my cat that I could bring to look at. That would be comforting. My cat loves me. :)
Your poor purple hands! They sell soft fake rabbit foots at Claires. You might be able to find a white one there. :) Thanks for your support Falls, it's been really helpful, but then, it always is!
Elle
Posted by fallsfall on February 8, 2004, at 9:48:07
In reply to Re: Psych class » fallsfall, posted by Elle2021 on February 7, 2004, at 23:17:09
Posted by gardenergirl on February 8, 2004, at 9:51:40
In reply to Re: Gardener Girl... » gardenergirl, posted by Elle2021 on February 7, 2004, at 19:51:07
You're so sweet. It sounds like you have a good plan. I'm glad you talked with your T about this. Good luck next week. I'll be thinking about you.
gg
Posted by deirdrehbrt on February 8, 2004, at 21:28:55
In reply to Gardener Girl... » deirdrehbrt, posted by Elle2021 on February 7, 2004, at 2:45:52
Sorry, I'm not a teacher. I used to teach guitar, but not in a school. (I did a few music classes in a couple of schools, but that's it.)
I'm hoping to go to school, and maybe someday get back to work. I was an engineer before getting really sick.
Dee.
Posted by fallsfall on February 9, 2004, at 7:13:51
In reply to Re: Psych class » fallsfall, posted by Elle2021 on February 7, 2004, at 23:17:09
Claire's was a disappointment. No rabbit's feet. But I did start playing with the second new one I got (this one is red), and it doesn't seem to be making my hands red, so maybe there is hope for the future.
Good luck in class.
Posted by Elle2021 on February 9, 2004, at 21:25:21
In reply to Claire's » Elle2021, posted by fallsfall on February 9, 2004, at 7:13:51
> Claire's was a disappointment.
Oh! Sorry to hear it was such as disappointment! The Claire's that I go to has a rotating rack of rabbit's feet and some that have been made into key chains (none of them are the real thing though, whew!). I'm glad at least you have a red one now that isn't dying your hands! :) I'm writing a different thread about class...
Elle
Posted by Elle2021 on February 9, 2004, at 23:12:36
In reply to Re: Claire's » fallsfall, posted by Elle2021 on February 9, 2004, at 21:25:21
Okay,
Well, I went and talked to my professor about my problem. I wish I hadn't. Not because she was rude or anything, on the contrary, she was understanding. She asked me if I was okay, and told me we would only be going over the subject for one more day. Then I told her I had OCD and then I OVER-Divulged and said I was seeing a psychaitrist and a therapist. I wish I wouldn't have mentioned that part. That was the end of the conversation; I said thanks and left. It was all kinda weird. Problem is, that now everytime I walk into her class or pass her on the campus, I'm going to feel like she's looking at me thinking, "That girl has OCD, that girl is seeing a therapist and a psychiatrist." Now she probably thinks I'm some kind of a neurotic mess. I wish I hadn't told her. :(
Elle
Posted by gardenergirl on February 10, 2004, at 9:21:59
In reply to My Psych Class, posted by Elle2021 on February 9, 2004, at 23:12:36
Oh Elle. I'm so glad you talked to her and that she was understanding. I bet you overdisclosed because she was understanding. I think we all kind of latch on for a bit when we encounter someone who is not insensitive and seems to get it.
I'm sorry you are upset about it. I truly don't think she will be constantly labelling you in her mind. But I understand if this will make you self-conscious. Can you try to focus on the fact that she understands?
Take care,
(((Elle)))
gg
Posted by fallsfall on February 10, 2004, at 11:28:43
In reply to Re: My Psych Class, posted by gardenergirl on February 10, 2004, at 9:21:59
Elle,
Good for you for talking to her. I'm glad that she was understanding. Since she knows something about Psychology, I would think that knowing that you see a therapist and a psychiatrist would make her think that you are strong and taking care of your problem. And you are. You can be proud of that.
Posted by Karen_kay on February 10, 2004, at 11:34:59
In reply to My Psych Class, posted by Elle2021 on February 9, 2004, at 23:12:36
Don't feel weird about telling her. It was the fact that you were comfortable with her that you told.
I've been telling my profs too much lately. Or maybe not enough. Maybe if I told them why I've been behaving oddly, they might understand a bit better??? Maybe not. I just try to avoid talking to them, but if they give me the eye during class, I have to go talk with them afterwards and I have no idea what I am talking about... I just hope I don't remember :)
I talked with my psych prof as well, I guess in the hopes that she would be understanding??? She seemed a bit "weird" about it.... Or maybe I was just a bit weird???? But, I worked hard in her class and got an A. And she never treated me different or gave me the impression that she thought I was "weird"... So, don't worry about it hun! She won't treat you any different or think any different of you. Promise!
Posted by Penny on February 10, 2004, at 11:42:55
In reply to My Psych Class, posted by Elle2021 on February 9, 2004, at 23:12:36
(((Elle)))
You know - I tend to overdivulge a lot - when I was hospitalized last summer, the admin manager at work told folks who asked that I was 'on vacation', which was fine, except that then I got back and they were all like, "So, did you have fun? Did you go anywhere?" And instead of making something up I just said, "Well, actually, I was taking some personal time..." and to a few of them I said, "Actually, I was in the hospital..." after which part of me wished I had kept my mouth shut.
But, what my overdivulging has taught me is that it is often the folks you think might not understand who actually do - they've had personal experience with mental illness, they see a therapist, they take meds, they've been hospitalized, etc. I even used my own story as an example to try to educate folks in my own psych class last spring. When we began talking about mental illness, some people in the class acted as though they found some illnesses 'amusing' - but I was quick to point out that mental illness is not amusing at all, that it is serious and highly misunderstood, and after I shared that, "hey, I take 6 meds a day for depression and anxiety and I've been in an outpatient treatment program and I see a therapist" (I hadn't been seen as an inpatient yet at that point), I found that several others in the class (and there were only about 20 of us!) were also either currently being treated, had been treated, or had a parent who had been treated for some form of mental illness. One girl in the class, who was quite young, had been in rehab for drug abuse, and shared that with the class. I think it gave everyone something to think about, and from that point on, people were much more respectful when we discussed mental illness and treatments. Which was my goal. :-)
Anyway, I guess what I'm saying is that I think it was brave of you to talk to your prof in such a candid way, and I think that your prof probably recognizes that.
P
Posted by Elle2021 on February 10, 2004, at 22:09:14
In reply to Re: My Psych Class » Elle2021, posted by Penny on February 10, 2004, at 11:42:55
Well, my teacher acted normal. She didn't act like I had told her something very private yesterday. I appreciated that. I didn't want to get special treatment. But, it's kinda funny cause we had a class discussion today on OCD and I knew all the answers to the questions... :) I wonder if anyone was curious as to why I know so much about it. Hehe!! Only thing that REALLY bothered me was that the girl I sit next to said something hurtful. She really doesn't understand OCD and when my teacher said something about OCD-ers being compelled to do rituals, my friend whispered to me, "I bet those are the people who commit rapes." I told her no, that was incorrect, but I had no idea how to explain it. Anyone have any ideas on how I can easily explain it to her?
Elle
Posted by EscherDementian on February 12, 2004, at 6:34:39
In reply to Best Wardrobe Malfunctions poll, posted by gardenergirl on February 3, 2004, at 20:24:28
Okay, this didn't happen to us, but for my cousin, sister and me, it will go down in history as Absolutely The Very Funniest Wardrobe Malfunction In The Whole World For The Rest Of Our Lives.
Our Gram'ma who had a very *spansive* rear end, and wore very loose moo-moos came in to sit on my sister's bed where we were all playing, and sat down ontop of my cousin's favorite stuffed animal. We all exclaimed urgently "Gram'ma the kitty! THE KITTY, Gram'ma!", and thinking she had by accident let our REAL cat out of the room, she stood up and went waddling out of our room into the rest of the Christmas party of Adults, Parents, Aunties and Uncles calling "Here Kitty kitty kitty..." with that stuffed kitty still stuck facefirst in the crack between her butt-cheeks... waddling through the house.
This is no urban legend, it happened to us. i have since seen a greeting card depicting the very same thing, and wondered "who told!?"
For my sis' and cuz' and me, the vision of that will forever be etched in our ticklebones, along with more than a little guilt regarding the hysterical hilarity that prevented us from telling G'ma... to straighten out her moo-moo.
Escher
Posted by pegasus on February 12, 2004, at 12:05:36
In reply to Re: Best Wardrobe Malfunctions poll, posted by EscherDementian on February 12, 2004, at 6:34:39
Oh my god! That wins. That is hilarious. Your poor grandma!
- p
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