Dissociation and college

[Deleted member 47600]

Hiya, don’t really know how this works but I’ll give it a go.
Well I started college a few weeks ago and dissociation has been a lot more of an issue (been in hospital/residential car for the past 3 years so didn’t do any school or college) but they skits chucked me straight in to a full timetable! Anyway I’m just here for advice really. I feel really alone. And is it just me that find it so disorientating trying to navigate around a big place while you feel like your on one never ending maraujuna trip? Horrible. Also, the bright lighting is awful. Everything is so high definition and i can see everyone’s freckles and eyelashes it’s so weird? I’m just not used to the amount of people, either. I feel like I’m going crazy, honestly. And very vivid dreams where I’m doing everyday tasks like sitting in a science lesson. Is this something to do with my supconcious while I’m dissociated because my brain is trying to take things In and it all flooding back when I’m asleep? And Walking there seeing cars passing And clouds and trees looking very weird? No one else seems to understand! Any advice? Just to get me through!?

 

[littleoc]

Hello! Welcome to the forums!!

First of all, congratulations on making it to college! That’s really awesome!

Second, yes, I had such a hard time in college. It’s possible though. Stay open with professors or other instructors.

It sounds like you’re a bit overwhelmed right now. Too much happening all at once? Trying to adjust to a completely new schedule and place at the same time?

Are you in therapy, or seeing a school counselor? That may be incredibly helpful for getting through college. That is pretty much how I got through. Lots of support from professors, deans, and also one counselor occasionally and one therapist to help me with coping with all the stress college brings.

Welcome again!

 

[Deleted member 47600]

Hello! Welcome to the forums!!

First of all, congratulations on making it to college! That’s really awesome!

Second, yes, I had such a hard time in college. It’s possible though. Stay open with professors or other instructors.

It sounds like you’re a bit overwhelmed right now. Too much happening all at once? Trying to adjust to a completely new schedule and place at the same time?

Are you in therapy, or seeing a school counselor? That may be incredibly helpful for getting through college. That is pretty much how I got through. Lots of support from professors, deans, and also one counselor occasionally and one therapist to help me with coping with all the stress college brings.

Welcome again!

Thank you so much! Yeah I’m definitely overwhelmed and I live in mental health residential so I do see all the people I need to but I still jus don’t feel like I’m getting anywhere and no one seems to listen to the fact that an 8 hour/5 day a week timetable plus all the other stuff I need to do that the majority of college students don’t have to do plus not even feeling like I’m in my own body is hard!!! But I’m trying an that’s what counts ((:

 

[littleoc]

That does count!

But that’s awful that you don’t feel you’re being listened to. Maybe you would benefit from a trauma specialist?

 

[Freida]

Welcome!

It's perfectly acceptable to cut your credits down to something a bit more manageable. There should be a student advisor you can talk to about cutting back a bit until you get into the swing of things. If not, talk to your instructors -- they should be able to give you some guidance. And if that doesn't work - all colleges have an advisor for disabled students --- check with them about cutting your class load.

"full time' has a big range. At the college I was at it could be anywhere from 14 - 22 credits. So there is plenty of wiggle room

 

[talon]

Hiya, don’t really know how this works but I’ll give it a go.
Well I started college a few weeks ago and dissociation has been a lot more of an issue (been in hospital/residential car for the past 3 years so didn’t do any school or college) but they skits chucked me straight in to a full timetable! Anyway I’m just here for advice really. I feel really alone. And is it just me that find it so disorientating trying to navigate around a big place while you feel like your on one never ending maraujuna trip? Horrible. Also, the bright lighting is awful. Everything is so high definition and i can see everyone’s freckles and eyelashes it’s so weird? I’m just not used to the amount of people, either. I feel like I’m going crazy, honestly. And very vivid dreams where I’m doing everyday tasks like sitting in a science lesson. Is this something to do with my supconcious while I’m dissociated because my brain is trying to take things In and it all flooding back when I’m asleep? And Walking there seeing cars passing And clouds and trees looking very weird? No one else seems to understand! Any advice? Just to get me through!?

Do you have a tutor that is understanding you should have support and someone who understands your difficulties . Remember this is not your fault but difficulties are like waves if you turn your back on them they will engulf you so you need to face them head on . Easier said than done i know . Support for mental health is variable depending where you live good luck you are not alone

 

[Deleted member 47600]

Do you have a tutor that is understanding you should have support and someone who understands your difficulties . Remember this is not your fault but difficulties are like waves if you turn your back on them they will engulf you so you need to face them head on . Easier said than done i know . Support for mental health is variable depending where you live good luck you are not alone

There’s people who ‘understand’ but don’t actually understand if that makes sense. There’s only so much they can do. I’m in a “therapeutic” mh placement but for some reason haven’t got any therapy yet. But everyone wanted me to do things backwards and start college before I’m actually better. Ugh. I don’t wanna let anyone down so I don’t wanna quit but it’s getting so difflecult

 

[lizbeth27]

This sounds really tough but you are incredible for doing what you can. I obviously don't know exactly what care you get at the MH residential unit, but if you just feel like you're just doing what they want you to do yet not getting anything out of their treatment then that has to change. Going from hospital/residential unit to college (and still remaining in the residential unit) must be confusing and very disorientating in itself, as well.

Do you think the dissociation is more of an issue because of how fast-paced everything is, and having to be around lots of people all of the time? So you are sort of more aware of it?

And is there anyone who you trust who can try and help you get more support in the college environment, when you're feeling so overwhelmed? I think that is key.

Good luck -- you deserve all the support you can get to help you achieve your educational goals.

 

[Deleted member 47600]

This sounds really tough but you are incredible for doing what you can. I obviously don't know exactly what care you get at the MH residential unit, but if you just feel like you're just doing what they want you to do yet not getting anything out of their treatment then that has to change. Going from hospital/residential unit to college (and still remaining in the residential unit) must be confusing and very disorientating in itself, as well.

Do you think the dissociation is more of an issue because of how fast-paced everything is, and having to be around lots of people all of the time? So you are sort of more aware of it?

And is there anyone who you trust who can try and help you get more support in the college environment, when you're feeling so overwhelmed? I think that is key.

Good luck -- you deserve all the support you can get to help you achieve your educational goals.

Wow sorry for such a late reply... I agree with this a lot. I feel myself trying to juggle everything but feeling like I can't let people down etc.

There are people I trust but there's so many professionals left right and centre that I only see one a week/month and also a lot of support workers that trying to get one point across without about 20 different opinions before you get to the person that has the answers is very hard.

Also, thankyou for understanding - it means a lot