inability to focus and drained

I want to give up on this semester. I haven't washed my hair in 5 days. I just can't deal with it. I have no motivation and cannot handle the pressure. I'm exhausted. I made it so far this semester and now this. I just feel down and it is not going away. I just started lamictal along with my effexor but it is going to take a while to titrate up. This is so hard. I feel guilty about it too but I just can't do it.

I also think I am going through risperdal withdrawl. I haven't taken it in 2 days. I feel like I need a break until my my meds are at a theraputic dose. argh this is so hard.

I know it's hard. I'm in school too and have thought about just giving up on my bad days. But I ask myself "what do I want?" The answer is, I want to finish school so I can make more money and make a better future for my kids. In order to do that, I have to get good grades...in order to do that I have to get out my book and study for the test. Reminding myself what I want and breaking it down into really small steps helps me on my bad days when I want to give up. Nike is on to something when they say "Just do it." I tell myself that one all the time. Before too long if I just keep going and doing it, I've accomplished something and I think, 'hey, I did that'. Hang in there! You can do it! Even if you need to take a break until your meds are worked out, don't ever give up on your goals. You can do it!

p.s. I've gone longer than that not washing my hair it's ok. You'll get there.

I'm sorry you feel so down. My hygiene tanks when I'm depressed as well. I mean, I've timed that washing my hair and a shower takes all of 12 minutes (!) but when I'm depressed it ain't happening. It's good that you know your diagnosis. Mine came very late in life and when I look back on the mood swings (when I was in college and through the years) I went through all of that torture without meds or a dx. It was awful. Just try to keep up with your classes, maybe call the prof and meet with him/her privately, let them know you're going through a rough patch but you still want to do everything you can to complete the course(s). Maybe they'll cut you a little break. Hope you feel better.

I know it takes awhile for the Lamictal but it really does work. At 50mg I was noticing a difference. Hang in there! Now that I have been at 100 mg for 2 or 3 weeks, I really don't get into bad depressions. I find myself starting to think those old thoughts but they disappear easily and I don't dwell on them. I felt like crying the other day and I couldn't. Hang in there. Lamictal is great to ward of any bad depressions. Just think of this as your last severe depression. You will be feeling better soon.