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University

Mariah_2008

Hi Everyone Blush

This is my first post as I'm new to the forum. Nice to meet you all Blush

I'm in my 30s and was diagnosed a couple of years back with Autism and ADHD. I've struggled most my life with mental health and when I was diagnosed it was like a light bulb moment for me and I understood why I'd struggled so much at school and throughout my adult life. 

I went into therapy and have made some great progress and feel like I'm at a really good place in my life. So I decided to go back to university (part time.) 

I started this Saturday and I was there for 7 hours and I came home in tears feeling like I was back to square one. The feelings of being different and inadequate came back so quickly. 

Most of the day was spent doing group work which I found so exhausting and uncomfortable. I really struggle with speaking to others and when I do I'm constantly flooded with thoughts about if I'm doing the right facial expression, did I speak too soon, do they think I'm rude, or that I've upset them. 

At lunch time I could see everyone just chatting amongst themselves freely and those feelings of not fitting in but at the same time not wanting to be part of the group came back. When we had to work in groups I felt bad on the person working with me because I can't be like the others. 

Since yesterday I've felt achy, nauseous, headache, really tired, and tearful. Like I've got the flu. I've read burnout is usually something that builds up over weeks and months? I'm not sure how to describe what I'm experiencing to my tutor when talking about what might help next time for me. 

Thanks so much for reading Blush

Parents

  • I never enjoyed group work either, although in my case it was more bcause I didn't agree with what the rest of the group were saying.

    What course are you doing and will group work always be a part of it?

    Do all the others in your group aleady know each other?

    I know I'm firing questions at you, but I don't man to be intrusive, maybe it's because you've gone back so suddenly into a situation thats so uncomfotable for that you're having burn out symptoms?  Do talk to your tutor about it and maybe student support services too, they do have to do things to help and support you, but remember if you don't like the solutions and help they offer you can refuse, but if you do then say very clearly why thie not right for you and of some alternatives.

    What course are you doing?

  • in reply to TheCatWoman

    Hi, 

    Thanks so much for your reply. I'm training to be a therapist so a lot of it will be group work. I think it was perhaps a little more heavy this week because it was my first session and there was a lot of ' get to know you' activities and the seating was in a circle which felt very full on as I struggle with prolonged eye contact. 

    I hadn't thought of speaking to student services. That's definitely something I will do as well and think about some options that may help me. I was thinking of asking for plans for each day so I know what's coming up and can discuss beforehand if I feel there is something I may need support or a change with. 

    Blush

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  • in reply to TheCatWoman

    Hi, 

    Thanks so much for your reply. I'm training to be a therapist so a lot of it will be group work. I think it was perhaps a little more heavy this week because it was my first session and there was a lot of ' get to know you' activities and the seating was in a circle which felt very full on as I struggle with prolonged eye contact. 

    I hadn't thought of speaking to student services. That's definitely something I will do as well and think about some options that may help me. I was thinking of asking for plans for each day so I know what's coming up and can discuss beforehand if I feel there is something I may need support or a change with. 

    Blush

Children
  • in reply to Mariah_2008

    Maybe one of the things you could talk with your tutors and student support services about, is being ND and how many other ND people want therapy and that they should use you as a bit of a model on ND needs?

    I used to use cat blinks when I was counselling others, as it seems less intimidating. Cats use long and slow blinks to break eye contanct whilst still maintaining attention, as lon as you don't make them to long and slow, so that the human opposite you thinks you're going to sleep and that they're boring you, its OK.