Can we just talk about disappointment?

[DemureRose]

This isn’t necessarily anxiety related but I just need an outlet and I feel like this is a nice place to come. You don’t have to respond or answer, just enjoy my troubles and be able to find happiness in your life lol.

I’m a senior in high school this year which is supposed to be a time of fun and happiness. It’s not for me as of right now. First of all I’m really sick but still had to go for information. So that’s a terrible start. And second of all I hate my schedule. Last year I didn’t have a 6th or 7th hour so I got to leave early and I loved that. Not necessarily because I got out early but when you do leave before everyone else there’s no school traffic and as someone who has driving anxiety, that was amazing. This is how my schedule is this year: all morning I don’t have class, they are all college classes and I only have a 6th and 7th hour. The schedule I’d love is having a 5th and 6th hour. Now it is possible to switch but the class I’d switch into has more students so I can’t see that being allowed to happen. It’s so annoying because the solution is right there! It’s so close yet it can’t happen. It makes it worse that my friend has that schedule!

To add to my irritation, both my classes are full of people I don’t like. My sixth hour has the worst kids in our grade smushed in one classroom. They are the kids who get everyone in trouble and were suspended many times last year except then they were separated. Now they’re together. And my seventh hour is full of drama-starting sophomores who are so self absorbed it’s funny. Overall the people in each of my classes suck.

Now I am aware that in a year I’ll look back and laugh at myself and how upset I was. I’ve just never hated my schedule as much as I do. I think it’s mostly because it’s senior year and I was hoping to have as much fun as I had my junior year. I had high expectations and they were stomped on. That’s what happens I guess.

[HopeWithSmile]

Hi Rose. I understand what you’ve written. Believe me, I am not in High School, but this situation is applicable to any environment full with people who are stuck together (like school, university, office) and they need to coexist somehow.

I know, it’s hard. But try to think about it as some positive experience before “adult life”. I don’t want to sound like a party-pooper, but office life in many cases will be tougher. But if you go through it now, you will have thicker skin later. Just have this thought when these douchebags trigger you.

xx

[DemureRose in reply to HopeWithSmile]

Thank you. I’m trying to see it that way and I’m sure in a couple weeks I will. I just have to keep reminding myself “This is life. This is how life is”

[HopeWithSmile in reply to DemureRose]

Yes. The most important thing is to make light from any darkness (when life gives you lemons..). That’s the only thing that makes me power through my work anxiety. It doesn’t mean that this way of thinking will help you every time (I am still helpless with severe triggers), but it inspires you to fight back.

[DemureRose in reply to HopeWithSmile]

That’s a great way to look at it. And that’s definitely something I need to work on.

[HopeWithSmile in reply to DemureRose]

I am glad I could help. If you need any support I will be here for you!!!

xx

[Damian]

Yes it will give you a thick skin, and actually in my experience a well-run workplace isn't like that. The people who make trouble at school can't do it in a workplace because they need the money and they'd get fired. (Some of the people from my school who made trouble ended up in jail, and the timing meant they were in there over Christmas, LOL!)

You say high school is supposed to be a time of fun and happiness. I don't know what it's "supposed" to be, but I think it's pretty bad for most people actually. It's a stressful time because you're trying to find your place in the world as an adult. People pretend they're coping well, but ask them again when they're forty and they'll admit the truth... It's a difficult time but it gets easier.

Could you tell them about your driving anxiety and use that as a reason why they should let you switch?

[DemureRose in reply to Damian]

That’s a great idea but my school is let’s say...old fashioned in their beliefs on mental illness. My town is in fact. They see mental illnesses as things to fear and that people with them are crazy.

[rebecca3455 in reply to DemureRose]

I take it you do not live in the US? We have what is called section 504 or an individual education plan for all students that have a medical or psychological issue. It’s all covered under the Americans with disabilities act. So we ( worked as a counselor and 504 case manager for 15 years) with the student teachers and a parent would create a schedule based around the students needs. Not sure if you have anything like that and I understand living in a small community they might not treat anxiety as a disability but it is. Regardless you seem like a really smart young lady so whatever happens I think you will make it and do fine this year. And just think next year will be college and the opportunities are endless. Good luck

[Damian in reply to rebecca3455]

I'm in the UK and it's quite similar here. Here there is a "public sector equality duty" which means that public bodies are supposed to promote equality for various minority groups. The obvious ones like race are on the list, but so is disability, and disability includes mental health issues.

Whether schools follow the rules in practice is another thing, but that's the theory.