Overwhelmed

not_dead_yet
Community Member

Hello, i dont even know what to talk about or how to put this into words theres just too much. Ive been told to concentrate and not fidget when i do it subconciously so when i concentrate on not fidgeting i get told off and hit by my tutor (this is just 1 teacher). She has said many colourful words about it and my weight and my looks. My mum sits these classes and whenever i tell her i want to quit, she cries and says that she is stupid, she cant do anything right, all her money has gone to waste and that she should never care for me again etc. Since school is back, i can get away from my parents and i feel better at school, though the stress i get from the amount of work is also gnawing at me. The only person i can talk to about some of these problems has gone overseas and cant text anymore, im worried about them leaving but i keep telling myself they wont. I barely have the energy to get in the shower and after a few days when i did, i just stood there for 10 minutes without actually cleaning myself. My mum has gotten more obsessed with me because she sees me less because of school, she keeps telling me why should i close the door when i change, that see wants to watch, that since she made me she should have the right. I have more but i dont think i should share it all in one post. Sorry if it doesnt make sense. Ive relapsed again and i dont know what to do.

4 Replies 4

ViolettaZ
Community Member

Hi there,

 

Thank you for sharing this with us. It’s incredibly frustrating and painful to feel like having no one to talk to, but you’re welcome to share here, as this platform is anonymous. I can really sense how difficult this has been for you.

 

It is never okay for a teacher to insult or hit a student, especially by using harsh words to judge your appearance. Please know that you have done nothing wrong in this situation.  Do your parents know about this? How have they responded?

 

Parents can care deeply about their children, and they may also be feeling exhausted by life and work. Your mom may want to keep you safe in the shower, but saying she can watch you because she gave birth to you is not appropriate. Everyone has their identity and personal boundaries, and if being watched while showering makes you uncomfortable, you have every right to express that.

 

Regarding your mental health, has your GP offered you any guidance? Since you are attending school, you might consider speaking with a school counselor or social worker if you feel comfortable doing so. You could also reach out to Kids Helpline, where counselors are available to listen kindly and offer support and suggestions.

 

Please remember to take care of yourself; you deserve support and kindness🤗

 

Warm regards,

ViolettaZ

 

therising
Valued Contributor

It sounds like you're facing people who don't have a good sense of boundaries. They are definitely overstepping into abusive, degrading, stressful and depressing behaviour (like with your tutor) or behaviour that does not allow for privacy, personal space and free time to yourself (like with your mum). You're entitled to have safe and free spaces of your own. 

 

Setting boundaries can definitely be challenging in some cases. For example, if we're young and are conditioned to not talk back to adults or do as we're told without question, it can be hard to recondition our mind out of such things in some cases. It can be challenging to begin talking back, in regard to how we're feeling, and it can be hard to begin questioning (out loud) a lot of highly questionable behaviours. Sometimes it pays to find people who can help us come up ideas for setting boundaries, while also supporting us in our boundary setting.

 

Setting boundaries for other people to not cross will sometimes depend a lot on their nature. For example, if you had a tutor who was caring and wasn't conscious of the mental harm they were inflicting on you, you might say 'Sometimes when you speak to me like that I find it hard to focus on the work because I'm more focused on the upset I feel'. They might apologise while reassuring you they'll stop that behaviour and no longer overstep. On the other hand, having a tutor who consciously assaults you mentally and physically, that may sound more like 'If you insist on assaulting me mentally and physically, I'm no longer going to interact with you'. They'll either stop the behaviour or find someone else to assault while no longer tutoring you. The goal is to find a tutor who won't assault you, one of your basic boundaries and rights. An alternative would be to say to your parents 'Find me a tutor who won't assault me and I'll continue learning'. It's your parents you're setting a boundary with in this case, with the tutoring lessons. If they were to respond with something along the lines of 'No, you'll continue with the tutoring we're paying for', it would pay to rebel against being continuously assaulted. You have every right to not be mentally and physically harmed, a boundary that can be set for the rest of your life. 

 

Setting boundaries can come with confidence. The more we practice the more confidence we gain. As I say, it can be hard to begin practicing but eventually practice makes perfect. We become really good at it. In order to become good at it, we have to start somewhere. Btw, setting boundaries can gain you the label of 'difficult' but it's a label to be worn with pride in some cases. I'd rather be difficult than be assaulted or lose my right to privacy. You've got this, you can do it.😊

melodica
Community Champion

Hello, 

First of all, it is never OK for a teacher to hit you, and it should be reported. Is it possible to see a GP to get a mental health plan? That can give you some support in dealing with these issues. There is also the kids' helpline, which can provide resources to support you.

I hope you will post here again if feeling overwhelmed. We are all here to listen.  

Psychdiaries2
Community Champion

Hi there,

 

Thank you for your honest post about what you’re going through today and trusting this community with it. 

First off, it is never ok under any circumstances for a tutor/teacher to hit or abuse you in any way. As a tutor myself, I would never even imagine laying a hand on a kid. I would advise you to tell your parents about this so they can get you a new tutor. You deserve to be treated with respect and care always. 

 

You mentioned you are feeling stressed with schoolwork and that is understandable, especially as the work and study piles on. I would recommend organising what your top priories are for your subjects and start studying early for tests/exams. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your teachers for extra support, I’m sure they’ll be willing to help. 

I feel like often times our parents don’t understand that some of the things they say is completely uncalled for and inappropriate. I’m sorry your mother has made hurtful comments about your looks. It is absolutely not ok for her to tell you she wants to watch you get dressed or shower. Perhaps you could reach out to your school psychologist to have a chat about these issues for some in-person support. Of course, you are more than welcome to continue to chat on here or on https://kidshelpline.com.au/get-help/webchat-counselling

 

We’re here for you and you’re not alone in what you’re experiencing. Take things one step at a time. It’s ok if you feel overwhelmed right now. Take care of yourself. Sending love to you!