Culture Shock, Thursday, 6/04, Period 2
When the students entered the classroom today, they might, if they weren't too distracted by their own issues, notice that their teacher looked a little more disgruntled than usual today. He also looked cold. And wet.
Somebody had realized that it would be a very good idea to take a long, cold shower before work today, yes.
"Depression," Algren began, leaping directly into the lecture and apparently thankful that today's item on the syllabus was the most mood-killing one this term, "is probably the most common and definitely the most noticeable stage of culture shock. It tends to settle in around the edges, even while you're experiencing the other symptoms, and often manifests itself as a feeling of hopelessness and longing. It seems by that point that the only way to deal with it is to leave where you're at, go back home, and forget that you ever had the insane notion to leave in the first place."
Speaking from experience? Oh, yes.
"It doesn't have to be severe. It isn't always rational or even immediately explicable. But it can do a great deal of emotional and mental damage until it's overcome. A person might opt out of leaving home in order to socialize, or even to buy food. They might start doubting everything that they do, including tasks that are still familiar to them from home, while they're in their new surroundings. Know that none of you are inferior, simply different, and that if the insanity of Fandom Island is making you doubt yourself? We're all in the same boat on this one."
Pacing? Algren? How could he not?
"I've organized a couple of handouts on coping with depression. Look at them. Keep them, in-case you're feeling it yourself in this new environment. And discuss." Pause. "Keep it clean. And if anyone mentions crocodiles to me today? Detention. For life."
Probably not for life.
[OCD on the way. Class is up. Have at thee!]
Somebody had realized that it would be a very good idea to take a long, cold shower before work today, yes.
"Depression," Algren began, leaping directly into the lecture and apparently thankful that today's item on the syllabus was the most mood-killing one this term, "is probably the most common and definitely the most noticeable stage of culture shock. It tends to settle in around the edges, even while you're experiencing the other symptoms, and often manifests itself as a feeling of hopelessness and longing. It seems by that point that the only way to deal with it is to leave where you're at, go back home, and forget that you ever had the insane notion to leave in the first place."
Speaking from experience? Oh, yes.
"It doesn't have to be severe. It isn't always rational or even immediately explicable. But it can do a great deal of emotional and mental damage until it's overcome. A person might opt out of leaving home in order to socialize, or even to buy food. They might start doubting everything that they do, including tasks that are still familiar to them from home, while they're in their new surroundings. Know that none of you are inferior, simply different, and that if the insanity of Fandom Island is making you doubt yourself? We're all in the same boat on this one."
Pacing? Algren? How could he not?
"I've organized a couple of handouts on coping with depression. Look at them. Keep them, in-case you're feeling it yourself in this new environment. And discuss." Pause. "Keep it clean. And if anyone mentions crocodiles to me today? Detention. For life."
Probably not for life.
[OCD on the way. Class is up. Have at thee!]