Disability for Bipolar or Return to School

Not sure what is going on with me right now, maybe a big mixed episode with my moods and confidence level changing.

I know it's not good to make major decisions while going through an episode, but the return to school and the time for my disability doc appointment are really close together.

I'm tempted to withdrawl reentering school because I don't think my memory is consistently reliable long enough to make a good veteranary techician (animal nurse).

I am all scared about it and need some support.

Very good to see you around NF I agree, big decisions should not be made amidst such turmoil, buuuut, sometimes we just dont have a choice and sometimes our instincts are dead right!

If you don't go back to school can you go back later?

Maybe get disability first and see if they will reimburse you to be in a learning institution?

in my opinion, you can try college, but be careful before taking any loan for it, you dont want another stress trigger added for you...

I took a leave of absence in junior yr (1986) because I had a meltdown and went back following semester. That's a good choice. See a Dr. and try to stabilize yourself. Most colleges let you take leave of absence within first 6-8 of semester and get most or some of your tuition money back. After that you can't get it back.

I start school tomorrow! I am ready and so excited!

So happy for you! Really proud of you and glad that you have enough faith in yourself to return to school Like Patrick Jane said "I think we regret the things we didn't do more than the things we did".... I think that's true for many people

Thank you for sharing the great news NF

If you are not already registered with disability services, I would recommend doing so, they can provide you accommodations and will advocate for you if you need it.

If you decide to go through with going to school you need to spell the job you are training for correctly - veterinary technician.

Just wanted to second the idea about registering with disability services in case you need some extra support.

Opps, my bad. I think I wrote that when I was so tired. Thank you for catching that Anneinside!

I'm going to 'third' what others have said about the disability services. I think you made a wise choice in deciding to go back into education and it's an important choice of which will affect your future life. Of course when making a decision about education you need to take into account the implications it will have on your future life: your ability to get a job, make money and therefore make a living for yourself.

I made the mistake of letting my illness take over me during my exams and have been left with few qualifications because of that. I'm still finding it near-impossible to work in a job longer than a few months before having a relapse. Why? Because my failures (despite high expectations) in the past have affected me and I'm unable to get a job doing what I like.

You must realize that to be successful you must learn to live alongside the bipolar disorder and not let it take over to the point of being out of education and perhaps ending up in a job you may not enjoy so much. Of course there are always chances to go back to education at a later point but there are costs which may not be affordable to you at that stage.

It's great that you've made the decision to return to school but I do highly recommend seeking additional support from the disability services available to help you and assist you along the way.

RB.

All the best NF - it's a very rewarding career and I'm sure will make you feel better too

I think it's good you've chosen to go to school. If you can complete your course of study and find meaningful work, you will be much better off. You will still have the bipolar, but having fulfilling work is good medicine.

As you start school it may be very hard at first, but hang in there because it will get easier and your confidence and memory will improve.

Good luck!

There is nothing wrong with getting borderline passing marks, or even withdrawing from courses. I've had to and It's hard to accept that "failure," but I had to relearn the skills of writing papers, studying for tests, and managing your time. In addition to all that, I have your disorder to cope with.

School is hard! Still, the only real reason to worry about marks is to receive scholarships and get into grad school. Some of us are just really bad at demonstrating what we have learned, or have had that learning affected by something.

I also wrote what I did when I must of been out of it. I thank you for accepting my comment gracefully. I didn't intend to come off as rude or curt. Thanks to you too.

good luck in school! I withdrew for about two years when I had my first breakdown - but only because it lasted a year. Took me that long to get ready for college again, but when I did I made it through! I hope it goes well for you. definitely register for special services if you can.

Thanks for all of your support my friends. I'm almost finished with my first week of school and have had lots of reading and assignments. The 2 grades I have gotten so far have been A's. I haven't been late or missed a day.

Just taking things one day at a time. I know I can do this.

Good for you!! You can do it! you will do great!! My niece is a vet tech and she loves it.