Telling my class

School and Work
1

I talked to my teachers, and they suggested that, if I want to, I can tell the class about my diagnosis so they’ll be more understanding of why I’ve been absent so much, and why I can at times seem anti-social.

I’ve translated it to English to you guys can read it, because I’d really like a second opinion on it before I post in in my classes facebook-group.

"Hey everyone.
I’ve spoken to our teachers about it, and I’d like to tell you something. The plans was originally for me to do it this morning, but I overslept.

The reason why I’ve been so absent, and can seem distant/antisocial during school is not because I don’t want anything to do with you guys, nor is it because I don’t want to be here.

It’s simply because I suffer from schizophrenia, and it can sometimes be especially bad in the mornings. I could write a long post about what it means for me, but I won’t. The symptoms I suffer the most from are lack of initiative, insecurity, tiredness and hearing of voices, and it’s those four that are the most of a hindrance for me. So, if it seems like I’m not really there when I’m there, it’s because I’ve been feeling bad recently, because my symptoms flare up when I’m under a lot of stress or there are larger changes in my life, like medicinal changes or starting at a new school. I’m doing both of those at once.

I promise you I’ll do my best to show up and stay at school, but there can be some days where I simply can’t manage a whole day at school and all the sensory input it brings. (Sounds, etc)

I hope you understand that I really want this education, and I really want to see you guys.

And, you are very welcome to ask questions if you’re in doubt, or if you’re just curious, but I’d like to ask that you either do it in class or comment on this post so the others can hear/read it, to keep me from having to answer the same question 20 times ;)"

What do you guys think? Is it alright to post? I really don’t mind other people knowing about me.

5 Likes
2

I like the letter. What kind of class is it?

3

It’s a caretaking class. Like… We’re taught how to care for elders and/or handicapped people

1 Like
4

That’s so cool! How long does the class go?

5

it’s been going on for two weeks, so there’s 18 weeks to go. This is just a ground-course, aftwerwards, there’s an almost three year long main course, where our real education begins.
After that, we get the title that is directly translated to “Social and health assistant”

6

That sounds so great. I definitely think the letter is a good idea. The other students need to know you’re dedicated but living with a disability. It would be terrible if they got the idea that you didn’t take the class seriously. I really like this idea! Good job on the letter.

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7

Thank you! I’m getting ready to post it now. Kind of nervous, but it feels necessary

8

I shouldnt do it

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9

I know exactly what you mean. I wrote a letter to my pdoc about my negatives and I’m very nervous about reading her the letter. I don’t want to sound childish but I can’t seem to remember or get my nerve up to talk to her whenever the appointments come up. So I’m planning on reading the letter just to get it all out. It’s gives you a nervous feeling.

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10

Yes it does. And I read your thread, and yes, I think it’s a good idea to write the things down that you want to tell her :slight_smile:

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11

Are you sure that they’ll be more understaning? :confused:

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12

What country do you live in.

13

They seem pretty friendly. And it’s a Caretaking-class, so everyone there is there because they want to work with people who have physical or mental disabilities (or old people with one or both), so I figure they gotta be at least a little understanding.

I’ve posted the letter in the group. 4 people have seen it so far, 2 liked it, and 1 person commented that it was brave of me to share it with them, followed byt a bunch of hearts, haha :stuck_out_tongue:

1 Like
14

I live in Denmark, why? :slight_smile:

15

I think it would’ve been helpful had my class known about my sz, but I wish they could have known in a different way than me sending a letter. They did figure out but it was too late. Already driven too psychotic at that point.

16

Just wondering about how much stigma where you live. Not sure about Denmark :denmark:. I always thought u were American as well.

1 Like
17

There isn’t really a lot of stigma here anymore, except for the rare few who think all sz people are dangerous if they don’t take their meds.
But those who know me, quickly learn that I couldn’t hurt a fly

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18

In my paranoid mind I would visualize their answer, sort of:
“Oh, we noticed there was something wrong with you, thank you for telling us that you’re sz so that from now on we’ll always shun you.”
:cold_sweat:

19

I think hat was an awesome thing to do! This is how we bust stigma, by putting a friendly face on the disease!

3 Likes
20

I don’t see how it’s anybody else’s business. I keep my sza to myself.