How To Support My Classmates Who Don't Have Ptsd?

[Tara1231]

Does anyone have some words of wisdom for my classmates about how to cope with me and my PTSD in the classroom environment?

I struggle a bit, but try to keep to myself.

I have flashbacks and disassociate and it seems like others might be affected by this.

I know I feel a lot of pressure from others to act differently or behave in a way that they can understand, but its just not that easy.

I don't want the stigma and the labels that come with telling everyone about my history.

So, if anyone wants to offer Ideas, thoughts, and/or suggestions - I am open.

Thank you in advance

 

[desiderata310]

Test out one or two people... with minor things. You know, like trusting them that you..wouldn't really care if everyone knew. Something stupid and insignificant. Observe. Decide if they are actually worthy of friend material.
Make one or two. See how that goes.
Take a chance and explain (without detail) what's happening when these things happen. Ask for appropriate support.
Move on from there.

Not sure if this is high school/college... etc.. I'm guessing that the instructor is aware?

 

[Intrepid]

Everyone is a little off. I have discovered that at work. I don't feel so bad about PTSD symptoms imposing themselves into my life when I can admit that "normal" people have there tics and glitches too. I don't tell anyone at work about my PTSD because of the stigma, and also because it really isn't anyone's business. If I have a panic attack or a flashback I deal with it with my therapist, or someone else who will understand.

Now, if you are at school in a field where knowledge of your past might be helpful to bring up, by all means do.

I know what it's like to feel that pressure. I dropped out of an MBA program twice because of that pressure. I didn't fit in, not after the flashbacks kicked in. But that was before I found some relief through therapy. I'm going back to school now. It's all online. No one will be able to watch me squirm. Ah, the blessings of modern technology.

Good luck, however you decide to interact with your classmates.

 

[Deleted member 28812]

Could you tell him you have a anxiety disease instead of telling them whole the truth?

 

[Deleted member 1860]

If you don't want people asking about your history, tell them its "bad anxiety". Nobody ever says "why do you have a bad anxiety disorder!?!?" On the other hand, EVERYBODY asks "why do you have PTSD?!?!?" Ugh, major peeve of mine. Ya, as if its perfectly permissible to ask someone about what could very well be the worst moment of their life.

 

[Tara1231]

Thank you for the above replies!

It is a college program and a Massage Therapist one at that. I have tried twice before to complete a program like this. I had to quit for reasons that had everything to do with my PTSD.

I cannot share my personal story with the class (it is far and above too much for average people) - I have tried in the past - and the only response I have gotten has been negative in every way. I live alone and I have a life built around being alone because not one person can handle my complex PTSD. It hurts and I want friends so bad.

I have had PTSD for 30 years and I have come to the conclusion that sharing gets me further back and away from being included in the scheme
of life.
I want to be 'normal' in the class! To have chit chat and giggles with the groups.
Its hard and odd for me.
My teacher asked me to stand up and say a few things about my condition and help educate the class about it.
SINCE it is a therapy type of career we are in.

SO, I am hoping to share wisdom with them, but at the same time stay somewhat clear on the 'NO history" of mine.

I too have peeve's when people talk about PTSD and ask me questions.
It really upsets me when I am LABELED forever more as a '"sufferer".

Thank you for your input

 

[holdenmonty]

I would probably tell them some of the genaric symptoms that anybody with PTSD tends to expierence and not be to specific to your PTSD. That way you can give them some insight without getting to personal.

 

[Tara1231]

Thank You.

I agree about sharing only simple knowledge of my own story.

I have an idea of what I am going to say about how to manage the classroom environment and this thread really helped with that.

Thank you again to all who replied.

 

[jmni]

Potentially there is something like the FMLA for students that appears in the student handbook. If you feel that you look weird you could tell people that you have an abscess because those are painful as shit. People harassed me for ptsd symptoms and that is a really creepy thing to do, so do not feel bad if that is your situation. If someone says anything to you I would tell them that they are violating that ADA straight off.