I used to be an A and B+ student. Starting highschool I slipped, even failed during trimesters, but never the class.

When I went to college, the first semester I failed three courses I think. I had to see a counsellor (other than the one I was seeing, who frankly was not much help). Asked how I was, said I was fine, and he said to withdraw from a course if I was going to fail. I took three courses I think. Failed two. So I basically flunked out of college.

Now I'm at a different institution, and after doing quite well I again got in a rut and failed two courses.

I guess what I'm saying is, it hit me hard before. It was tough. I felt like an absolute failure. I wouldn't call it a small stressor; that's almost like saying it's insignificant. Which it isn't. I still struggle. But now I understand that, with my problems, sometimes I will slip and fall, but better on a mattress than on the floor. I've started thinking about withdrawing from one of my courses... I'm worried about it. I'm only taking three courses! But I tell myself: take it easy on yourself. If you can't handle it, admit it. Because that's much easier than suffering through. You haven't completely failed: you've just realized that you can't finish the course. And that's okay. There's always next semester. And so what if you take more time to graduate than other people because you're taking fewer courses? That's fine, too. I will admit, though, I still very much struggle with it. It's hard to be kind to yourself, I find.

Typing is so much more comfortable on a computer... maybe I spoke too much or didn't make sense. Sorry.