Learning with Pots; Challenges and Tricks

Disclaimer: I am just going to clarify that I am a teacher so I am speaking from both a teaching perspective and a student perspective who has gone through this but I am not a medical or a legal professional, please consult them if you need them.

POTS can be tricky when trying to learn. Some problems that you might face are brain fog, memory loss, not to mention all of the physical problems POTS causes. Remember that even if you do not have a memory issues if you are in pain or even worried about something you will not be able to learn to your fullest.

Here are some dos and don’t for learning with POTS. Please remember that everyone is different and everyone’s POTS is affects them differently, not to mention people just have different learning styles. What works for me might not work for you, you need to figure out what will.

Dos

1. Review often

Take good notes in class or as your teacher for notes, most teachers will provide an outline or skeleton notes for students. If you are absent ask a friend for their notes and then copy them. If you rewrite, not just take pictures of notes you have a better chance of remembering them due to using and creating more neural connections when writing. Once you have good notes, look them over a few times a week to better cement it into your mind.

2. Practice, Practice, Practice!

I know it’s annoying to do the same thing over and over gain but if you’re struggling with memory issue or even just in a lot of pain there is only so much you can take in at a time. Make sure to practice those skills over and over again so you can succeed.

3. Ask for Help

If you are in school make sure to explain to your teachers or professors that you have a chronic illness, email when you’re out and take advantage of office hours or after school / before school help. You will fall behind if you miss too many days so make sure to stay on top of the work you need to do. If you aren’t feeling well you’re not going to be able to concentrate too well on the lesson either so going to those office hours can get you some one on one time to fill in the gaps.

4. Study / Learn in a Comfortable Spot

I did most of my middle and high school on my couch with my legs up, my tutors would also be on my couch. As a teacher I have a student with POTS who often requests a milk crate to put her legs up on while she’s in my classroom. Find a space you can learn best in.

5. Create a routine but be flexible

If you create a routine you will be more likely to get work done, especially if you’re homeschooled. Make it around the times you feel best, I’m worse early in the morning and best at night so most of my school work got done at night. Do what works best for you and take advantage of the days when you feel good to do more of your work.

Don’ts

1. Don’t Add Busy Work

Teachers give out what is called busy work, this is work that is ungraded and does not add to your education but gives students something to do. If you are behind in school due to missing assignments, don’t just assume that everything needs to be done, go to your teacher and ask him or her what needs to be done so you’re not wasting your energy on things that won’t have a high impact on you.

2. Don’t do it all at once

If you are out for a long time, say a week or more, ask for extensions on due dates. You do not need to turn everything in at once and most schools have policies against this in fact. Check with every teacher about what is due and when it is due. If you try to do it all at once you will just overwhelm yourself and burn yourself out.

3. Don’t be rigid

You cannot control your chronic illness, it stinks but hour by hour you have no idea how you’ll feel and you cannot be rigid with it. You’ll only be disappointed if you are. Be flexible with yourself, prioritize things, don’t try to take on too much at once.

4. Don’t Put School Ahead of Your Health

You cannot go to school or even learn at home if you do not feel well. You will learn nothing if all you’re worried about is fainting, if you can’t see the text because you’re too dizzy and if you can’t concentrate from your headache. Put your health first and the rest will follow.

5. Be Organized

Keep an agenda or put everything in your phone. Make sure to keep track of all of your assignments the second they’re assigned so that you know what is due even if you’re missing days. Keep all of your notes clear and organized so you can go back and look at them when you’re struggling. Make sure to clean out your backpack and lunch boxes. The more stuff that is in them the heavier they’ll be and the more stain it’ll be on you.

Final Notes

Remember that everyone with POTS is unique, and finding the strategies that work best for you may involve some trial and error. Be patient with yourself, adapt as needed, and seek guidance from healthcare professionals specialized in POTS management to develop an individualized approach to learning that accommodates your specific needs.