Going Back To School With Ptsd

[squireparty]

I am so ambivalent on this subject, about going back to school with my PTSD. I have found a program at a community college that is actually affordable and I do have interest in and it could lead to self employment - all my criteria have been met there so far. The program is in Web Design and Development.

What has me concerned here is what if I fail? What if I start having panic attacks during exams/projects? What if instead of gaining some momentum in my life, I slide backwards more? All these questions are circling my mind, sort of like angry wasps if the visual works for you.

I need to bring this up the next appointment I have with my counselor. Since I have been on meds I have not had a panic attack and overall kinda sorta feel more stable in general but.....I don't know how well I'm going to deal with a major life change or even an attempt at one. It could also be said though, nothing ventured nothing gained.

Anyone out there have any advice or been through this themselves and care to share? I am 46 so I'm middle aged but at least least this is not throwing me off as I'm aware people of all ages are going back to school to update skills and/or acquire new ones.

 

[AngrySky]

@squireparty - I have just completed my first class. I am 37. I found an on-line program to begin until I could prove to myself that the stress wasn't going to break me. it almost did many times due to the negative self talk and self harm when I got stressed but since had time to finish the assignments on-line I found that I could pull myself together enough to complete. I must tell you, once you make it through that first class, your confidence should be much better. at least mine was. Just finishing the class was all I expected of myself through that first class,

 

[gnirolockoob]

I'm half your age but too old for highschool, went back to highschool, had a double relapse (i'm schizoaffective) had to quit school. Don't let this discourage you just sharing my story. When I would have a panic attack at school I would go to the clinic or the school counsellor's office. Prior to that I've already showed my psychiatrist's letter to my teachers, counsellor and the school doctor so I'm sure they would make an exception for you and give you a place to rest if ever you need one, just keep the letter ready ;)

 

[Deleted member 1860]

Well you seem to be in a stable enough place for school, so that is great!

I started taking classes last fall. The first semester I took one class, the second semester I took two classes, and this semester I attempted to take three classes but it was too much and backed down to only two. I suggest this approach as it eases you back into school.

The first step is to apply. Community colleges in my state are super easy to apply to, so you may just be able to do so online in less than an hour.

Once you're accepted, contact the disabilities office and set up an appointment with a counselor. In order to use their services you will need documentation from a doctor (MD not therapist) regarding your diagnosis and needed accommodations. I get time and a half on exams as well as allowances for needing breaks during class if my anxiety gets bad.

Each semester my counselor types up an accommodation plan which states that I am dealing with anxiety as well as my requested accommodations. It does NOT state I have PTSD, nor do I tell anyone I have PTSD aside from those in the disabilities office. I recommend telling no one your specific diagnosis as there is stigma out there and you may be making professional contacts with your instructors. You don't want to shoot yourself in the foot from the get- go. (Much in the same way that you wouldn't tell anyone in a professional situation aside from those in a need to know position that you have PTSD as unfortunately that sort of information could hurt you in the long run.)

The disabilities office is there for you, so use it. Be pro-active. Don't say you'll only use them if things get bad, as that is oftentimes too late given a 15 week (or less) semester.

 

[therapybankrupt]

@Solara I like your post and it is great to know that people with PTSD can get help with the symptoms that may come up in the school setting. I was very scared to even think of school.