I have Bipolar and panic and anxiety disorders and I'm also an 11 years sober alcoholic.

I'm in Grace because I am sober, but I am in Grace because AA has taught me so much and by living the AA way of life I have also been led to therapy and they are complimentary, especially with the inventory process and the lifestyle of being rigorously honest with myself and others (as much as this flawed human can be)

I have been struggling with a life issue for many months - my inability to handle the extremely dysfunctional nature of the University where I have started studying off campus, and my own contribution to the situation, which is mental illness and an inability to handle complicated stress - and my inability to change the nature of other people, even if their actions are irrational, unfair, inconsistent etc.

I completed the first subject and did well and passed (it's just pass or fail). But doing the next subject has been a whole other deal and the Uni was supposed to facilitate me to give me pathways do it, but wouldn't and, along with a whole retinue of strange dysfunction since I started enaging with the Uni 6 months ago, I was getting sicker and sicker everyday. It had turned from fun into torture.

So, after suffering for months in trying to adjust myself around their dysfunction, I've decided to defer and go back next year and I've been advised the subject I have completed will be recognised. There are complex financial things to deal with now, but with a "go to any lengths" attitude, none of that matters.

This has been such a huge surrender for me - I am trying to re-build a life and believe me, it's no mean feat. I tried to go back to my career last year at a lower level and part time, but that career is very stressful, deadline driven and not for me anymore. But I'm glad I tested that pathway as I would have always wondered.

So, after surrendering, I am a happy camper today, although I have to watch for my traditional drop into dangerous Bipolar Depression, but I am in good hands with my mental health team.

So, I would highly recomment surrender - it works in all life situations and scenarios, the first being the surrender with the battle with booze 11 years ago and then for infinite other things.