Thanks, Sanityseeker.

I emailed my psychologist about it. He is in favor of the idea. I have yet to contact the psychiatrist, but I'm sure he would be supportive.
I emailed my mother about it. She is ambivalent - she thinks it would be wise, but is worried that my faculty will use it against me.
I talked it over with a friend last night, he thought it might be a good decision.
I emailed a church friend about it - he thinks I should push through... but I also get the impression that he really doesn't understand how disabled I am right now.
I am waiting to hear back from another church friend (the bishop/pastor).

My personal feeling: I want to take the time off and repeat the pediatrics rotation later, but I need to talk it over with my faculty to be sure of what would happen. Namely, I want to be sure that they would let me repeat my pediatrics rotation at a site in Utah (home) and not NY where the school is located.

I am so depressed by this right now. It is sooooo hard when people don't understand how crippling this can be. I know my church friend was only trying to be supportive and encouraging, but it can really hurt when people basically tell you to "suck it up and keep trying," even if they say it in a supportive way. I actually cried when I responded to his email. ....aaaaand I'm going to start crying again now just thinking about it.

I think what it comes down to is that I would have to discuss this with the school and figure out what would happen. I really don't want to tell them that I had a manic episode and am in the middle of medication adjustments, but how else can I explain the necessity for the brief leave of absence?

*sigh* what can I dooooooooo?? :'(