Frustrated With School

[Hydrotroop91]

I've been going to each class and therapy has been going well. However, in my class I can't focus no matter how hard I try. It's like I'm not even there. My t said it's normal with all of the stress and CPT. I just want to know what is going on in my classes. I hate being lost and confused. Especially since my engineering classes are starting to take off.

It's like they are speaking a foreign language and when I get lost I start to doodle or play on my tablet because I have become too frustrated with the material. I'm starting to lose hope and motivation to keep going. I'd rather chill with my cat all day and play on the xbox or netfilx. Anything that requires thinking/focus is frustrating and exhausting. It feels like I'm in a haze and not connected to school and other tasks. How do I get past this? I don't want to fail anymore exams or classes.

 

[Shorty]

I totally understand where your coming from i had the same problem when i was at work, The best thing i learnt was to stay in a happy place and lift the stress off your shoulders.

Stress can do a lot of things to a person and lifting that stress will be so much easier for you to interact and accomplish goals in life. It is really hard to lift it but once u feel relaxed then u can concentrate on the task ahead.

Please don't stop trying and work at it u will feel so much better when u have learnt to control it.

Happy thoughts :)

 

[scout86]

Well, I used to deal with it by being really obnoxious and picking fights with the professor. I don't recommend that! There were a few other fairly self destructive "coping mechanisms" as well, and I don't recommend any of them either. I eventually quit school for a couple years and got a job in the real world, where I did pretty much ok. I DID go back and finish, but that wasn't so easy either.. But, at the time, I didn't know I had PTSD, or any other problems. I'd like to think I'd have done things differently if I'd known. I didn't get any real insight into what was going on until years later.

So, does your school know you have PTSD? From what others have said here, there are usually accommodations they can and will make to help you. What does your T say? I'm not sure I'd exactly call this "normal". It's not uncommon, but it's not exactly "normal" either. And, it's a real problem. I never was very good at asking for help or navigating the system, but I'd suggest that you do both and do it ASAP, before you get too far behind. Don't expect it to just magically get better.

You know, it wasn't until I was out of school that I really began to understand how I learn. For me, sitting in a lecture taking notes is about as far away from the best way I learn as you can get. Even when there's NOT other stuff getting in the way of concentrating. You might explore other ways to learn the material. Maybe a good tutor? You're doing the right thing, but looking for information and taking a constructive approach. Good luck and success with your studies!

 

[risingsun]

I went through the same thing when I started grad school. I had just gotten out of a hospital and I literally couldn't focus on anything in the classes. But, I stuck it out. I knew in my heart that if I did, despite feeling dissociated and isolated among my peers who seemed to be "with it," that I would feel that much better about myself. I knew that I would not only heal during the process but focus my mind on something outside my own head. Also I knew that it would lead me closer to my goals. I have 2 months now left in my program and I'm glad I stuck it out despite having to take time off at certain periods. I became more focused and despite rough times I feel proud that I not only did it but I did in in the midst of PTSD.

I am in my mid 30s and I have felt the same as you but I didn't give up. So, I will say the same to you, "don't give up!" You can do this. It eventually will be part of your healing while also moving you closer to your goals. This is your time to give it all you have from the depths of your soul. Reach. You have this. Take it slow and day by day. No Fear. Best Wishes, Rising Sun.

 

[Deleted member 1860]

Are you registered with disability services? Can you seek out tutoring?

 

[Hydrotroop91]

Thanks all! Yes registered with disabilities but only for testing help. That's all I could get. Still trying. And normal was her referencing how my body is racing to the level of stress I am enduring currently. We're kinda mixing some other therapy to bring my levels back down and then getting through the CPT.

 

[Definitely..maybe]

@Hydrotroop91 I totally understand your post! I am very similar with my classes and have an awful time trying to concentrate. It also seems like my mind constantly needs to be fully engaged with something (even if it's just Netflix and looking at dumb things on my phone- I think it's a way to avoid trauma thoughts).

I'm not trying to promote prescriptions but my doctor has prescribed me adderall for my disassociation. It definitely helps me to focus in class better and be more 'in the moment'. I really so hate to promote meds to help an issue like this but for me it definitely makes a difference.

 

[Hydrotroop91]

It's okay. My T even thought about me asking my doctor to put me on something temporarily until we can get past this haze. I will probably email him this week. My T is also having me change our CPT up a bit to help some other outside factors that may be taking my mind away. I can't even fully focus on netflix or any of my games. I LOVE the new game Destiny but the Boss fights are making me filled with lots and lots of anxiety so I think that game may be off limits even though I waited a year for it to launch finally. : /

 

[Hydrotroop91]

So I feel like I'm hitting a wall at this point. I'm not getting any better with feeling connected to class. And am on the point of just skipping or not doing the work.

 

[Lady of Longbourn]

Yes registered with disabilities but only for testing help. That's all I could get.

Is this a reason why all they gave you is testing help? Or did you ask just for that?

 

[Hydrotroop91]

They go off of the doctors evaluation for testing. I didn't ask for anything.

 

[Hydrotroop91]

Spoke with my advisor. He wants me to tell my professors about the PTSD and try to have them sit me down with the notes one on one or see if they can spare me their TA for help. He also told me to sit in another calc 4 class than the one I have so I can understand better since I have an awful teacher. He asked how therapy was going and wants to help more than he can but wasn't sure how to do that. There's also a website he told me to check out for math help and maybe for my one engineering class. I hate that I cried in his office but he was nice about it. He really does care about students though.