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Go Back   PTSD Forum > Break The Ice > Chat - PTSD

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  #31  
Old 16-03-2008, 09:53 AM
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Anna5,

I know you probably prefer current university students, but here is my 2 cents anyway.

I am 40 and a teacher now. I was diagnosed with Bipolar II and PTSD just 2 months ago. I have been dealing with both since grade school, however.

I excelled academically in high school and college, but outside the classroom was a wreck. Had sleep difficulty starting at age 11. Made the first attempt on my own life at 14, the next two attempts at 18 (first semester of university). Had sleep problems living in the dorms, was diagnosed an alcoholic at 18, went through several major bouts of depression, was assaulted my junior year, was hospitalized my senior year, only went to just over half my classes throughout university, and still managed to double major, spend a year abroad, and graduate on time. I am good at getting the job done, even if it means destroying myself in the process.

At school I felt disconnected, like Scrooge visiting his past. It was as if everyone else was able to speak a language I could not. I wandered about at night with insomnia, was bored out of my mind in most classes, only got through my majors because of my writing skills and ability to retain info, I think, and burned through one brief, passionate, dysfunctional sexual relationship after another, desperately seeking a connection I could not sustain.

I am still writing checks each month to pay for a college education that is somewhat of a blur, except for a few good classes, a very educational year in France, and a lot of fascinating young women.

I wish I could do it again, knowing what I know now.
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  #32  
Old 16-03-2008, 10:14 AM
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How annoying - I just lost all my words :-(

Oh well!

How about looking at how people view PTSD (labelling theory)? Perhaps, a scale to measure peoples' knowledge of PTSD ( I apologise if I am answering as someone else already has).

Labelling theory
Provide particpant with literature on PTSD

What it is
How it is diagnosed (DSM)
Examples of types of trauma
Who gets it (two fold - quashing sterotypes and educating)
Examples of some PTSD symptoms
Examples of some PTSD beaviours

Perhaps ask questions that gauge the persons percpetion of PTSD after they have read the literature?

Alternativley....

Give two scenarios and rate the responses of each scenario independently of the other:
Ask participant how they would rate what we know to be PTSD behaviours. Partcipant then read PTSD literature and rates the same behaviours after reading the literature.

This also highlights the need for more PTSD information and exsposure to the general public; after all it is the general public who ultimately become affected by PTSD.

I think that asking individuals questions concerning their own individual PTSD experiences may bring up all sorts of ethical questions?

As for Uni me and PTSD - it is the biggest challenge I have ever faced (nearly as big as facing my trauma(s). I guess pushing one's self academically requires certain personality and emotional skills that I believe someone who has PTSD is in short supply of ( for me persoanlly). It is scary being visible in the world after hiding for so long!

I am doing it though! Just!
'What are fears but voices ariy?
Whispering harm where harm is not.
And deluding the unwary
Till the fatal bolt is shot!'
Wordsworth

Last edited by spiritofnow; 16-03-2008 at 10:17 AM.
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  #33  
Old 16-03-2008, 07:08 PM
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You may not be following this thread, as I see the question was posted over 5 months ago, but here's another experience.

I have attempted to go to community college 4 times over the years (I am 45 now). I am currently attending, this is the longest I've been able to continuously take classes (one year) and I've got a 3.8 GPA. I had a PTSD related episode a few weeks back and it has adversely affected my grade and my subsequent attempts to retain the coursework. I have my final this Tuesday and feel real despair about the outcome, although I've discussed it with my T and know I can/should get past this.

I did not disclose - I don't think there are any accomodations they could make, nor would I want to be singled out. Maybe I just don't want to be open about it to myself, I don't know.

Good luck with your research, and if you've already finished, I hope it helped you to understand PTSD better.
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