Returning To Studies: How To Build And Maintain Confidence And Motivation?

[ms spock]

Me too!

 

[Valhalla]

I am doing a full time degree but am unable to work. I registered as a disabled student and I found the assistance they give/adjustments to assessments that they can make are really helpful so I would recommend registering as disabled with your education provider to anyone that is studying "officially" and hasn't done so!

Ms Spock, I also have a great deal of trouble with short term memory. Also with reading and writing (I misspell and forget words when I am particularly symptomatic)... I am undertaking a screenwriting degree so this is very problematic!

jmni, I also get very stressed thinking about what other people might think of my symptoms! I mostly avoid socializing with other students.

It's hard. I think studying in any form when you have to deal with PTSD or any mental health issues ontop of it is really, really hard.

I dropped out of high-school, dropped out of a diploma after one year and then figured I wouldn't be able to study. But then I completed a diploma which amazed me and then got into a bachelors degree. I completed the first year and then experienced another traumatic event at the end of that year (after finally being reasonably functional for almost two years) so the second year has been a bit of a nightmare so far, but I know that I am able to do it.
I'm even getting quite high marks on most assignments :)

I've decided on a career and I want this degree so that I can get into the industry I want, so when I find uni especially hard, I always tell myself "you'll do it because you have to".
It sounds a bit harsh, but when you think about it... you've all already been through hell and many days it feels like you're still in it. You're still here though and you're trying to do something - anything - with yourself, whether that be obtaining a qualification, getting a job or just improving your day to day experience through learning.

That means you're strong!

You survived this far because you had to and you'll get through anything else life throws at you because there is something - unobtainable though it may seem - that you want in the world and you'll wade chest deep through all this $%#& to get to it.

You'll do it because you have to :)

Well done everyone for studying (self-motivated/university/whatever)
I believe in you all!! :D

*pep-talk over*

 

[ms spock]

Thanks I have lost my way with all this.

 

[Valhalla]

Keep trying Ms Spock :) even if you just focus on one thing at a time.

 

[rainy_daze]

I have had this thread in my Watched Threads section for a while.

I was going to suggest writing everything down and to not to be overly critical of yourself; there have been many great suggestions and these two were covered. Remember you have the abilities and the drive to do it, even though in life there are always ups and downs, you are on the path of learning and you will walk down it at your own speed because you choose to. It sounds like you've been doing so much training for your brain, well done Ms Spock.

I have lost my way with all this.

I think it's important to remember the work you have managed on days when you can't study or don't manage the full study routine. You had a clear outline of what to do and you can always pick the outline back up Ms Spock, I still think you know the way and hope you find it again.

 

[fyredrift23]

I just wanted to say to Ms. Spock (and everyone else facing similar challenges and/or posted on this thread) I am very encouraged by what you are doing. I am sending waves of positivity, strength, and confidence your way :)

I applied to a Masters in Social Work program in late January, and I just found out today that I've been wait-listed :nailbiting:

I am feeling ambivalent about all of this. On one hand, I am very excited because this means that I have met all the program requirements, they just ran out of space! The school is extremely popular. It's a state school with an excellent reputation for tons of their programs, both undergraduate and graduate. It's also located in a major city, so it's very accessible for many different people in many different ways.

Part of me believes I'll get officially accepted, I just need to be patient (I've waited this long!). I would start this Fall, and that hopeful part is very excited since this would give me the opportunity to break into the social work/social services field in a major way. I have heard great things about the Master's program, let alone about the school itself.

However, another part is so nervous, it is unreal :coldfeet:

The material is very vast and deals with a ton of topics surrounding family, human growth & development, mental health, gender, sexuality, ethnicity and plenty of other stuff. Lots of opportunities to become triggered!

Someone mentioned this already, but I fear being triggered while in class and starting to cry in front of everyone or something. I fear trying to study in the library or a cafe or even alone and having the same problem. I think it would be beneficial for me to discuss a "plan of action," if you will, with my therapist (who I'll see tomorrow).

Kind of like how Invisible-Guy said he would sit in the back of the classroom so he could step out if he needed to. I LOVED that suggestion! If I had other ideas like that in place, I'd feel a lot more comfortable in class, studying, etc.

I dunno, not trying to shift the spotlight or anything. I'm just worried my Depression Monster is gonna get in my way. When I was finishing up my Bachelor's degree, it was so hard for me to get through school. I almost quit several times. Now, I was in a much different place then, but I still have some symptoms.

Like, I have trouble remembering things, I constantly battle pessimistic thoughts, I get fatigued and lose energy sooner than I'd like. I'm particularly nervous about the remembering piece. Maybe taking copious notes, like another poster mentioned, would be a great way for me to handle that.

Anyway, thanks for reading, and thanks for beginning this thread & keeping it going :D
Sorry for rambling!

 

[rainy_daze]

Another thing is a digital voice recorder for classes. I think there are rules about using them, not everyone in the class would be comfortable with someone recording, but it's another suggestion. I suppose it all depends on what is being studied. I have never studied art, so I don't know how much of the learning is a verbal lecture from a teacher.

Learning is great, keeps the mind active. I won't lie, it is challenging. I think it is challenging for lots of people, especially with a Depression Monster and memory difficulties.

I think it's difficult to keep the motivation maintained. Try not to lose sight of the passion that you have for what you are studying, if that makes sense. Ms Spock, people on here are rooting for you (apologies if that sounds daft), and whatever stage you are at with studying art I hope you are managing to still enjoy the art of making art. (Wow, my sentences are not the most coherent today!)

 

[ms spock]

Haven't managed to make much art these last two months except did a good one last Wednesday. The five minute study sessions got lost in the shuffle. Thinking of deferring university again at mid year, not up to it yet. Going off the meds has brought a lot of stuff up. Hopefully I can stick with it and have a life.

On the other hand I have only missed one class all year, so that is good.


Thanks for the positive feedback and support rainydaze.

 

[rainy_daze]

Thanks

You are welcome and no problem. I know I don't completely know what it's been like for you, but I came off meds too. In the end I think it's been better for me. I could eventually feel more like myself, and now I'm dealing with emotions that aren't masked by anything.

Only missing one class is a massive achievement. Immediately I think "that must have been exhausting", attending 99% of classes.

It's good that you have options like that at university as well. Glad to read you've managed some art.

Hopefully I can stick with it and have a life.

:hug: