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#1
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Hi,
I'm a twenty year old college sophomore. I'm taking eighteen credit hours (twelve credit hours is considered full-time), and I'm having a really hard time staying focused and doing well. I'll go through a phase where I'll work like crazy and then I'll suddenly get tired and can't do anything. I don't handle stress very well at all. When I think about how many things I need to do this week I can't handle it and it's like I close my eyes and pretend it doesn't exist. Then I just get more stressed out. When I finally sit down to do something I can focus for maybe a minute or two (like a page of reading) before I lose it again. I can't stick to anything. I'm having a really hard time, and when I get really depressed I think about dropping out of school all together. This semester I'm getting to the point that I can't even get myself out of bed, and then I hate myself for how lazy I am. I just got diagnosed with bipolar disorder a few weeks ago. I don't know how to handle all of this. Does anyone have any suggestions? Please don't suggest therapy: I know it's good advice, I just can't afford it. And yes, there is a councilor at my school. But it costs money. |
![]() outlaw sammy
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#2
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Just some thoughts off the top of my head.
__________________
Bipolar II and GAD Venlafaxine, Lamotragine, Buspirone, Risperidone |
![]() outlaw sammy
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#3
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I reduced my course load when I was taking on too much and made it up over the summer. I know it's probably too late now but consider it for the fall. Maybe take some classes over the summer. Even if you take just one summer session class.
The other hing I did when I was overwhelmed in college was get a paper planner. Then I wrote when all assignments were due. Every week I would check what was he and plan out what I would do each day of the week. When I broke down the assignments I felt less overwhelmed. I still do that now that I have a job. There's a lot of paperwork to do as a teacher! Lesson plans, IEPs, materials for plans, grading...it gets away from me if idint have a plan.
__________________
Of course it is happening inside your head. But why on earth should that mean that it is not real? -Albus Dumbledore That’s life. If nothing else, that is life. It’s real. Sometimes it f—-ing hurts. But it’s sort of all we have. -Garden State |
#4
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I used to be one of these closet bipolars who kept my condition a secret from the world (WRONG CHOICE!). While working on my thesis research, I fell into a deep depression that lasted three months. When I returned to the university, my graduate advisor (also the chairman of the chemistry department) told me that I was in deep trouble and on academic probation pending a decision by my thesis committee as to whether to let me complete my program or terminate me. I could see he was furious over my unannounced absence, and it was then that I confessed that I have BP1. The look on his faced suddenly changed from rage to empathy. From that instant on the department did everything they could to support my successful completion of my masters degree. I LOVE THE UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO! The point is this: your school should be able to work with you to help you get through successfully. According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (1992) they must make accommodations to help you achieve and succeed. You're not experiencing anything that the rest of us BP's don't experience. May be that doesn't help you much to know this, but you could speak with your academic counselor for starters. BUT LET THEM KNOW WHAT YOU'RE DEALING WITH - WHAT THEY DON'T KNOW CAN HURT YOU. Last edited by outlaw sammy; Apr 14, 2014 at 05:55 PM. Reason: CLARITY EDIT |
![]() BipolaRNurse, Rayne Selene
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#5
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#6
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I've been in your shoes. Consider talking to the disability services office at your university. They'll be able to help you approach your department and dean.
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![]() outlaw sammy
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#7
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I am almost 31 and starting back at a university this semester. I was diagnosed in 2007, but I didn't attempt school until about 4 years ago. And then, it was while I was working full time, so only one or two classes to get my associate's and get ready for the university for my bachelor's. I was like you, taking a heavy load each semester. It was hard for me to realize that I can't handle that much anymore, and I had to accept the fact that it was going to take me a little longer to get done. I am currently taking three classes, 10 units. I'm in California, and that still gets me all of my Pell grant, and qualify for the max on student loans if you need that.
I would let your major advisor know, the one who you work with the most. Just go in and explain everything that is going on. I would think he/she would be able to guide you to the right person. I know at my school, you can take the test at another time than the rest of the class and have more time to take it. |
#8
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It really helps to have someone you can talk to about everything that's going on. Do you have a close friend or family member who you can talk to?
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#9
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Here are some suggestions to add to what the others have said:
These are just some suggestions. Feel free to PM me anytime, and I'd be happy to talk about things in more detail, recommend books, etc. I totally empathize with you, because I've gone through the same situation myself. Good luck! - Allie |
#10
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I'M IMPRESSED FOLKS! I love the way ya'll rally around each other to share your knowledge and insights. I've read so very good suggestions from each of the commentators here.
When I was diagnosed in 2001, I was told that there are only 1.6% of the general population who have this disorder, and only a tiny fraction of that who make themselves visible. By each of us being openly there for the others we grow in strength, effectiveness, and most of all, successful achievement! |
#11
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Sent from my Nexus S 4G using Tapatalk |
![]() outlaw sammy
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#12
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__________________
Bipolar; Mixed ![]() ![]() ![]() Depakote ![]() |
#13
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__________________
Bipolar II and GAD Venlafaxine, Lamotragine, Buspirone, Risperidone |
![]() outlaw sammy
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