Kiya,

I can relate to being triggered in these types of ways. So much has been triggering to me, sending me reeling into PTSD symptoms. I have worked to become very clear with myself on my boundaries and to assert them in my relationship with others so that I can minimize how often and how badly the PTSD affects me. It is what is necessary to keep myself feeling safe and to believe that I can put an end to paying the price for the inhumanity of those who abused me and left me in such a horrible condition.

One of the hardest parts of this process has been to convince myself that I am worthy of this type of care, this type of protection -- to do so without apology.

For this reason, I think it is important at a time like this to express to your professor how the assignment hurts and triggers you, and that you need an accommodation.

To me, it's a health issue. For example, if a student had bad eyesight, and has to sit in the front of the room to see the board, they should be able to. If a student needs a special chair becuase they have an injured back, they get to have that chair. For you, you need a different topic than one that triggers your PTSD -- a medical condition.

You're entitled to an adjustment in the assignment. I encourage you to ask for what you need. You deserve to do this for yourself, to meet your medical and recovery needs.

I know this is hard. It is easier for me to write this than for you to follow the advice. But you are worth the effort to claim what you need to be comfortable.

I wish you well.

mtd