Neisje, I think that most of us go through times that are hard, for whatever the reason may be. Sometimes it is the mess that is happening, sometimes it is the journey time, sometimes it can be our time of month (gals), sometimes we are just tired from work and family, and sometimes it's the frustration of knotting and separating. You are not alone. Dreads take patience that we must grow and allow our inner strength to grow. All days area not easy. We must sometimes dig deep into our soul for the encouragement we need. This is why people love their dreads so much, for the learning journey we are taken on.
The easiest way to separate any matting or sections joining together is when they are wet. They come apart easier and can withstand a little more force.
Don't worry about your washing amounts, in the beginning 2-3 day wash cycles are good, so you are okay there. What are you using to tie your hair up with? Is it too tight? Try something looser...I have a black rope necklace with a charm on it and fold it in half, wrap it around my dreads and feed the charm through it. You can adjust the tightness just by moving the charm. You will be amazed at how loose you can have it without if falling off. Are you an employee at the school? If not, try wearing a tam sometimes, if it feels to hot for you then just wear a cooler shirt, that works for me also.
You are 1/3 into your journey, hang in there baby. What do you think they will look like in three years? Isn't that a beautiful vision? Whenever you get down, put the three year old dreads back into you head and know that soon enough yours WILL look like that.
Peace to you