[ariatboot]

I am currently working towards my Bachelor's degree at a university in my state. I'm an online distant learner and recently I have been having a huge stuggle with everything. This summer I was so depressed I contemplated suicide and almost attempted it. I was in a "normal" mood for a while when I started school this semester and once again I'm going into a depression. I don't know if there is anything that can be done to help me with my classes. I am falling behind and not finding the motivation to keep going on with my school work. I'm a full time student and the credits are just to much for me to handle. Does anyone have any advice on what I can do? Thanks!

[Chompers]

have you tried talking to your professors? they might have some ideas or be able to offer some assistance to get you through the semester. possible you could drop a class or two? or take an incomplete & finish it up in the next term?

[Yoda]

The school should have a department of exceptional students where you can register and they can help modify assignments and such according to your ability/disability.

Would it help if you were to drop a class so you don't have such a heavy load? I had to go part time.

[Rohag]

Originally Posted by Yoda

The school should have a department of exceptional students...

Thanks, Yoda! Yes, many educational institutions now have an "Office for Students with Disabilities" (OSD) or "exceptional students," which can cover a lot of issues. It's worth researching at your school.

[thinker22]

I work part time and go to college part time (2 classes per quarter). That is more than enough for me to do! I am stable on my meds, but still honestly could not see myself going full time ever again. I did that in my previous 3 colleges, but since the worst onset of symptoms, I wouldn't dream of it.

Maybe you should consider only taking a couple of classes this quarter rather than having to totally drop out.

Pulling for you. I'm super stressed out myself. Sending you a big hug . Keep posting. We're here for you.

[BlackPup]

It can feel really devestating to have to cut back or drop out, but what you are dealing with is a real challenge that has a huge effect on your ability to function. I think of it as trying to box with one hand tied behind your back! Please don't beat yourself up or blame yourself for what you can't keep up with, (I used to do that heaps) rather, congratulate yourself for each thing that you accomplish against the odds.
Talk to disability services and your faculty advisor and get the help that you need, then do what you can to get through, one foot in front of the other. Somoetimes just getting through it is good enough.

[laur88]

I would definitely talk to your pdoc and see what he/she says. I'm in college as well and had a depressive episode at the start of the year and my pdoc raised my dose of lamictal, which really helped.

Talking to professors also really helps as does finding out if there's an office for student mental health.

I know how much being in school and getting depressed stinks! I blamed myself so much and thought I was burnt our or just plain old lazy...

I hope you feel better! Know that I'm rooting for you and you're not alone!!
-L

[sugahorse1]

I found it easier to be a long distance learner than actually attending college. You can work around your moods a lot easier that way. I've had to defer subjects to the next semester before too.
Try take it in little steps and only register for a few subjects at a time.

[venusss]

I would probably do bad in online studies, because I need schedule... I still do many things right before the deadlines... but that is just my laziness.

Nevertheless, try to set yourself a schedule. Try to do as much as you can. Try to work on it each day. If possible, take extra time, if it isn't too costly. Can you afford an extra year or at least a semmester, to spread your credits in?

And I recommend reading some "how to study" tips... Maybe finding more effective ways to study (everybody needs a different route, but it's worth exploring the options) will make it less stressful.

Don't beat yourself if you don't do as much as you want... but on the other side, don't cut yourself too much slack...

[bridgie]

When I was going I took two classes but even that became too much so I dropped to one but I eventuallly had to drop out. Now I am only able to hold down a job(thank goodness they work with me a lot )

[PT52]

Originally Posted by sugahorse

I found it easier to be a long distance learner than actually attending college. You can work around your moods a lot easier that way. I've had to defer subjects to the next semester before too.
Try take it in little steps and only register for a few subjects at a time.

I try to do the same thing, most on campus classes I've had I've been really uncomfortable. Ironically, psych classes were the only ones where I fit in with the other students.