[zijax]

We had an intensive 10 hour training class on how to lead and direct a group for people with mental illness. It was extremely hard to understand and keep up with. There was an entire notebook filled with hundreds of pages and another set of pages another group of loose leaf pages. She kept skipping around and I never knew what page we were on. It was very detailed but unorganized. We were trained on exactly how to say things and to say lists of things and to point people to charts, there were 15 charts set up all around the room. They used big words that didn't make sense. Every thing was over my head. I felt confused and frustrated all day long. I was out of my element. I tried very hard but I just wasn't getting it. I felt like I was being squeezed into a box. I came home and cried. Tomorrow is day two. I will try again.

[Victoria'smom]

I'm so sorry today was so rough. Is it a two day course? Did you get to keep the notes to go over later?

[zijax]

Yes it's a two day course and we get to keep the notes. I was not able to process any of the information. I have never felt so stupid. Tomorrow I'm going in with a different attitude. I'm not going to try so hard. I'm going to accept that this is where I am and who I am and I'm good enough. And I may try this for awhile and decide it's not a good fit. But I will give it a go.

[Wander]

Hope tomorrow goes better for you. Sounds like it should be structured better rather than jumping all over the place.

[raspberrytorte]

I hope tomorrow goes better for you, zijax. Since it was so unorganized I'm sure you weren't the only one who was lost.

[cmorales]

I get that they're likely on a budget and or possibly a time restraint or whatever, but dividing such education up into 2 super long days like that seems like incredibly poor planning and execution of a program that seems rather important. You would think they would take into account that people w MI would be taking the class and that we sometimes need more time to absorb information. You know, not because we're stupid or anything, but because our brains sometimes process information differently, or we have ADD or are easily prone to stress/anxiety and moving through so much information at such a fast pace without giving enough time for it to sink in or to review it and really get a grasp on it could trigger said stress/anxiety.

Reminds me of the CPR class I took last year. I don't really remember a damn thing because we blew through so much info so fast. Though I am certified until next year (I think), I would not be able to help much if needed.

I hope you have better luck than I at retaining the information being hurled at you. If anything I would say, since you get to keep the notes and everything, that once the program is over - look over it in bits and pieces a little bit at a time over the next few weeks or so... maybe that will help (?)

Best of luck on Day 2!