Has school destroyed your creativity and self-confidence? I'm working on a book called Recovering From School, to help you heal the damage caused. Join the Patreon or Newsletter to be notified about updates. Paid Patreon members will get early draft previews, as well as a free digital copy when it's done.

Why does school make me want to throw up?

Ever felt like your stomach is doing somersaults at the mere thought of school? You're not alone, and there's a good reason why. Stress and anxiety can pull some pretty wild tricks on your body, and nausea is one of their favorite party tricks.

First things first: take a deep breath. There's absolutely nothing wrong with you.

Let's talk about it. School – that place we're all supposed to thrive in – can be a breeding ground for stress and anxiety. It's perfectly natural to feel anxious there. It doesn't mean you're weak or incapable; it means you're human.

If you happen to have Irritable Bowel Syndrome (the stomach struggles are real) and you're prone to anxiety, school can crank up the volume on both. It's like a tag team of stress and digestive discomfort. But, you're not alone, and there's understanding and support waiting just around the corner.

Unmasking the Stress Monster

Let's dig in and find the source, shall we?

First off, is it a specific something that's bothering you, or is it just the all-encompassing "everything" feeling? If it's the latter, we encourage you to poke around our site. We've got a treasure trove of insights, and you might just stumble upon something that resonates.

Some potential stressors that might be causing you to feel sick:

• Grades: The ever-looming specter of grades can be a heavy burden. We've got some thoughts on that, and you're not alone in feeling the pressure.
• Bullies: Dealing with bullies is tough. Here are some ideas.
• Feeling Overwhelmed: School often throws a neverending barrage of tasks your way as if they believe you have nothing else to do.
• Overstimulation (Sensory Issues): So much brightness and noise everywhere! Google Highly Sensitive Person if this fits.
• Uniforms: Can be uncomfortable and make you feel stifled.
• Perfection and Fear of Failure: The fear of not measuring up can be paralyzing. Spoiler alert: it's okay not to be perfect. People might make it seem like it's the end of the world if you don't ace every test or fit into a narrow mold. Guess what? It's not true. There's a vast world beyond the narrow scope of school.

Do you feel safe at school?

Now, let's get real about safety. Do you feel safe at school? It's a crucial question. School isn't always the safe haven it should be. From violence to bullies and all sorts of potential abuse, it can be a pretty unsafe place. This is a very valid reason to feel stressed and sick!

How Parents and Teachers Should be Helping

Parents and teachers are meant to be your steadfast allies in this journey. Let's talk about how they're supposed to support you.

Laurie A. Couture emphasizes the importance of open communication. Parents and teachers should create a safe space for you to express your thoughts, fears, and concerns. It's not just about academic progress; it's about your overall well-being. Laurie advocates for understanding and respecting each child's unique learning style, acknowledging that a one-size-fits-all approach doesn't work. It's about fostering a supportive environment that nurtures both your academic and emotional growth.

Are They Doing This?

Now, let's get real. Are your parents and teachers hitting the mark? Do you feel heard and understood?

If you feel like they're not quite hitting the nail on the head, don't blame yourself. Parents and teachers are only human. They have their struggles, challenges, and they may not fully grasp the depth of what you're going through.

It's okay to try to communicate your needs. Your needs are valid! If they're still not quite getting it, it might be a matter of helping them understand. You're not burdening them; you're allowing them to be the supportive figures they are meant to be.

If that still doesn't work and they absolutely won't support you better, well, that really sucks. But it's still not your fault! Don't give up on finding supportive people somewhere else though.

Why is school like this? How can it be better?

Let's take a moment to meet some trailblazing thinkers who've challenged the status quo. Here's a quick introduction to Peter Gray, John Taylor Gatto, and John Holt – the visionaries shaping the way we think about education.

1. Peter Gray: Unleashing the Power of Play

Peter Gray, a psychologist and researcher, is all about the power of play in learning. His work delves into the psychology of education, emphasizing the importance of self-directed learning and the role of play in fostering a natural love for knowledge. Curious? Check out his works here.

2. John Taylor Gatto: The Maverick Teacher

John Taylor Gatto, a former New York City public school teacher, turned his critical eye on the flaws of the traditional education system. He believes in the power of critical thinking and advocates for a more personalized, less standardized approach to learning. Intrigued? Dive into his compelling insights here.

3. John Holt: Champion of Homeschooling

John Holt, a pioneer in homeschooling, believed in treating children as individuals with unique needs and interests. His work challenges the conventional wisdom of forced education, advocating for a more organic, child-centric approach. Keen to explore his ideas further? Find his works here.

Conclusion

First and foremost, your feelings are valid. You're not alone, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with you. School is an unnatural environment for many, and your stress is a testament to your individuality and uniqueness. If you don't fit in school's narrow little box, that's not a flaw. It's a sign that you're a complex, multifaceted individual with a unique set of skills and passions. The world needs diversity, not conformity.

Also, here's a quick introduction to some alternatives. Unschooling, homeschooling, online schooling and democratic schools offer different approaches, allowing you to tailor your learning experience to fit your needs and interests. Click here for more info about those!

Keep shining bright, school survivor. The world is vast, and there's a path that's uniquely yours to tread.

Posted in: Blog,Knowledgebase on November 26, 2023 @ 8:45 PM

Tags: Help, mental health, Parents, Psychology, School

If you like what we're doing here, you can become a Patron and sign up for our newsletter!