Does anyone with bipolar disorder have a low stress threshold. A little goes a long way? I just started my last semester of high school and I haven't had Spanish since the first semester of last year. I am in over my head in Spanish two. I don't know what to do. I'm thinking of dropping because I feel so unstable mentally and I don't know if i can handle it. I don't want to drop it because the college i may go to may require it. I might even have to take a year off because I'm so unstable in regards to the stress of bipolar disorder. Does anyone else struggle with stress like I do?

[bipolartx]

I struggle all the time. I'm much older and I have a career. My bipolar disorder gets in the way of my career trajectory. And unlike in years past I have loans for vehicles - I have a college age student who lives with me while he's completing his education - so taking time off to regroup isn't very practical but if it were I certainly would do so. I think if you have the opportunity to slow things down until you feel comfortable and confident moving forward you should and not feel guilty about it or feel like you're falling behind. If you don't take care of yourself the wacko in your head will show up for every other thing you do. Give yourself a break.

[jelly-bean]

I don't have Bipolar so I can't speak from personal experience. However, being a member here for a while has taught me that there are many others who are having the same troubles that you are. I hope that some of them read this and answer you.

[cashart10]

Yes, I also am terrible with stress. I am now a 31 year old mom of 3 but my high school years were the roughest because of my illness. I had to drop out my sophomore year and be home schooled and then start my junior year in a new school that accepted students with all kinds of individual and special needs. They were very hard years both physically and mentally and I applaud you for getting where you are with such struggles. I agree with bipolartx, give yourself a break and take a break if you need one. Living with this illness is very tough and until you are stable, you will find your work overly difficult. College is VERY important but overdoing it is not worth sacrificing your mental health.

[Wander]

I am studying at university and have to take it super part time, like 25-50% load. Even then I am still struggling due to severe episodes and hospitalisations. But all the while I am making progress towards a Bachelors degree. Go at the pace that keeps you most stable. I wish you all the best.

[Blitter2014]

Stress is a major issue with anyone with bipolar, or who suffers from anxiety. Try to listen to what your body and mind are telling you and only take on what you feel comfortable with. There is no point pushing yourself right to the edge because that is what "you are supposed to be doing", your mental health is worth more to you than anything else. Can you talk to your teachers/lecturers and help them understand what you are going through? I would think most would be compassionate to your circumstances.

[Justugh]

ok school was never easy they were doing the 2 hour class experiment then and it just broke me i could not do it i would be done all the classwork and homework with in 30 45 mins and i just left the classroom ......that ended getting me kicked out to the bad school the do the program school mini prison......did it one time the whole program.....but still 2 hour class problem quit after that

do not be me ..........talk to the teacher see if u can get some extra help during a free period or if she has some reading/warm ups u can do at home........tell your doctor and ask for note (so the teacher knows not lying and counselor and principal) then talk to them before or after school explain u are getting little stressed out u like their written ok to allow u to go to library once u done your classwork/times of freaking out .......only use this if u need if like 5 mins left just gut it out do not abuse it ......the first time u do this the teachers will talk and the cool ones will agree....the ones that think it is a bunch of hogwash u have written ok from counselor and principal............if u are stressing and looping over something to much go and talk to the nurse or counselor

if after all that u are still having a rough time with it drop the class and see if can go back into first one ......or see if teacher can give u something to learn with at your pace in free period

when i was in school it was horrible accused of cheating because i could walk in take a test walk out in 15 mins get 100% right with out showing work in math class i can do it in my head faster then writing it out working like that .......at one point i was forced to take a final exam again in my boxers and tshirt in the principal personal meeting room (not the main room the one they use for those bad kick u out of school meetings ) mother was in the room outside she argued that i did not cheat and got me the test .....i did the same thing out in 20 mins no work 100% (they made sure i had nothing written on me a hidden calculator watch or anything teacher was forced to pass me with a B in the class did not do my homework sometimes

so i know it is rought and suck some massive bad stuff.........do not give up try come at it strait forward does not work go at it from the side ......there is always a way just have to figure it out

plus if it all goes right u get your work done plus that 20 mins of free time now and then to do extra clear off everything before u even leave school

Originally Posted by Blitter2014

Stress is a major issue with anyone with bipolar, or who suffers from anxiety. Try to listen to what your body and mind are telling you and only take on what you feel comfortable with. There is no point pushing yourself right to the edge because that is what "you are supposed to be doing", your mental health is worth more to you than anything else. Can you talk to your teachers/lecturers and help them understand what you are going through? I would think most would be compassionate to your circumstances.

Yeah I can talk to my teachers. We are handling it eventually. Thank you and I'll try to listen to my mind.

[prepsychmel]

I get stressed out very easily. I'm 31 and just NOW graduated with my undergraduate college degree. I only could handle, maybe, 2 classes at a time without going completely out of my mind. Just pace yourself and keep your health a priority.