Seeking sensible advice re: College - Retraining

RainbowChild_2

Hi
I have just typed a tome and it disappeared :mad:

I am 40 years old and have bipolar disorder. Due to a serious breakdown 3 years ago I had to give up my job as a teacher of hard to reach youngsters after almost a year off sick.

When I am well I am a go-getter and have certificates coming out of my ears for all sorts of things. I am on medication and have been told I will be on it for life.

I don't want to be a waster and want to get back to doing something so last week I went down to the college on enrolment day. I signed up for a floristry diploma which is 2 days a week. I was shaking with anxiety and the application forms looked like a 2 year old had filled them in.

I am wondering if I can cope, I thought that retraining would be a good idea but what happens when I can't get out of the car? Or sleep for 2 days or worse still DON'T sleep for 2 days as I am now. Even after temazepam at bedtime last night, sleep still eluded me.

The course requires 95% attendance, am I being realistic or should I be waiting or looking at something for maybe a half day to start off with?

My partner is really good and makes sure I am ok and eat but he can't join the class!!!! I used to be an Army girl and now I can't even travel alone on a bus!!!

Thank you

rogerblack

You have a disability.
It is reasonable to ask them to take it into consideration.
There would need to be good reasons why '95%' can't be altered to a degree, to comply with the equalities act.

poet123

RainbowChild wrote: »

Hi
I have just typed a tome and it disappeared :mad:

I am 40 years old and have bipolar disorder. Due to a serious breakdown 3 years ago I had to give up my job as a teacher of hard to reach youngsters after almost a year off sick.

When I am well I am a go-getter and have certificates coming out of my ears for all sorts of things. I am on medication and have been told I will be on it for life.

I don't want to be a waster and want to get back to doing something so last week I went down to the college on enrolment day. I signed up for a floristry diploma which is 2 days a week. I was shaking with anxiety and the application forms looked like a 2 year old had filled them in.

I am wondering if I can cope, I thought that retraining would be a good idea but what happens when I can't get out of the car? Or sleep for 2 days or worse still DON'T sleep for 2 days as I am now. Even after temazepam at bedtime last night, sleep still eluded me.

The course requires 95% attendance, am I being realistic or should I be waiting or looking at something for maybe a half day to start off with?

My partner is really good and makes sure I am ok and eat but he can't join the class!!!! I used to be an Army girl and now I can't even travel alone on a bus!!!

Thank you

Ask if the college have an Inclusive Learning team. if they do, and most do, they will, if you explain your issues arrange for someone to meet you from the car, walk you in and stay with you for the duration of the course or for however long you want. They will go at your pace and be as pro active for you as you want, you will call the shots. In time, if the relationship works and gives you the confidence, they will pull back and allow you to get on with it, but only when you are ready for it. They really can help and be a lifeline.

Good luck, the first step is always the hardest, you can do it.