I'm a college junior with bipolar disorder, and have questions about approaching teamwork in college assignments. This is the first time in two years that I've had to work intensively with someone else, and on fairly challenging and time-intensive assignments.

Over the last two weeks, my partner and I have been spending 20+ hours a week working together. Initially, I felt that we contributed equally and worked at a similar pace. However, I'm steadily falling behind. My doctor has been adjusting my medication over the last month. My sleeping cycles, moods, mental agility, etc. have been thrown out of whack -- partly due to the medication, and partly because my BP has been acting up.

This has made it harder for me to do enough prep-work before meeting with my partner, and I feel that I'm burdening her. My mind blanks out easily, and she's moving at a much faster pace.I have to keep working with her -- consistently -- for the next 6 to 8 weeks.

With my health in limbo, I don't have much mental stamina, and I blank out easily. Overall, my teamwork situation and general health are not helping my anxiety.

Does anyone have suggestions on how I can improve the dynamic in my team, be more productive, and keep up with my partner? We have at least two team assignments due every week. Any thoughts, suggestions, and examples of similar experiences would be appreciated.

[wildflowerchild25]

I don't want your post to go unanswered. I suppose what I would do is make daily list of what should be accomplished. It might seem less overwhelming if you only have to do one or two pieces a day.

I have no similar experience. I am so socially anxious that when I found out I'd have to work closely with another student for the Semester in one class I dropped the class that afternoon.

Originally Posted by wildflowerchild25

I don't want your post to go unanswered. I suppose what I would do is make daily list of what should be accomplished. It might seem less overwhelming if you only have to do one or two pieces a day.

I have no similar experience. I am so socially anxious that when I found out I'd have to work closely with another student for the Semester in one class I dropped the class that afternoon.

Thank you for your response. I'm not so great about lists and structure, so that might definitely help me. Like you, I don't really enjoy working closely with other students -- social anxiety factors into that. Although I've managed to avoid this for most of my time in college, I don't have an option this semester. I need this course to satisfy degree requirements for my major.

[hamster-bamster]

I don't know the answer, but I am sure that the ADA office on your campus would have some words of advice, as they must have heard this concern countless times.

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