I know how tough it can be to get off the hamster wheel of education. At 19, I had to admit myself to a psych unit of a hospital in my college town. Even though it was painful and difficult, I had to save my life. No scholarship, class, school, GPA, test, or project is worth hurting yourself for, I promise. I know I kept thinking if i could just get one more thing done I would feel better. I never did. I just kept crawling along, working myself to exhaustion.
It's not worth it.
If you have to take time off for mental health reasons, there are some protections in place for you in higher ed. After you are feeling better, talk to the Dean of Students or whoever is higher up in your college or university. Individual profs and advisors usually can't help much in those circumstances. I know it's scary to go see a Dean or Associate Dean, but they are people who can help you. High up positions can make things happen for you. My first time through grad school I thought I was sunk. But I had my therapist write a letter to the Chairman of my Department requesting accommodation for me due to mental illness. I was granted accommodation and given an additional semester to work on my Thesis and take Comps. I say all of this for when you are feeling better. But i do say it so you will know that you don't have to make a choice between your education and your life.
Your education will be waiting when you get better. But life doesn't wait.
Take care of yourself now.
|