[earthangel1]

I'm finally starting college for accounting. I haven't been able to make it through life until recently. Risperdal and clonazepam have been life savers. I am starting classes in a couple weeks, but still feel unmotivated. I feel like I can do this, but I know I have the lingering effects of this illness. Has anyone else had to make it through work or school with this illness? any tips?

[BastetsMuse]

Originally Posted by bpenniman

I'm finally starting college for accounting. I haven't been able to make it through life until recently. Risperdal and clonazepam have been life savers. I am starting classes in a couple weeks, but still feel unmotivated. I feel like I can do this, but I know I have the lingering effects of this illness. Has anyone else had to make it through work or school with this illness? any tips?

Yes, I have one important tip. Treat college like a full time job. Put at least 40 hours a week into it. You might have 18 hours of classes, but you should be putting 40 hours a week total into your classes -- so the rest of the hours adding up to forty are for research, homework, etc. Plan ahead, read ahead, and don't procrastinate your assignments.

[boydisappearing]

I worked with an occupational therapist a few years ago because I was having problems coping at university. One of my problems is attention span and motivation, and I'd never get anything done because I couldn't get started, or I'd get distracted, but I figured out I could do something for fifteen minutes, and at the end of fifteen minutes I could either take a break, or go for another fifteen. Splitting it into small pieces like that helped a lot, usually once I started I'd keep going.

Is there a centre for students with disabilities on your campus? I got some accommodations through mine, including extra time on assignments if I spoke with the professor in time.

[gina_re]

Don't overwhelm yourself with a full course load when you first start if you're nervous. It's an adjustment and can take a minute to find out how classes/assignments work for you.
I personally started slow and increased my course load as I felt more comfortable and confident in my classes and myself. I graduated with my B.A in December 2012
Either way, you can do it! Good luck!

[BrandonAK]

Congrats! I just started my PhD program, so hopefully I have a little advice.

I'd say one of the most important things is to not compare yourself to other students. It was a bummer for me when everyone seemed to finish homework faster without procrastination or have all the answers in class. They were mostly faking it, but I always felt stupid. Getting past that hump early is really important!

Spend the time you think you need on your assignments and make sure you are doing something you love. There's nothing more frustrating than taking stupid classes that feel like a waste of time for you!

If you have any questions, need study tips, or anything else, please feel free to PM me

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

[Christopher1990]

don't put off assignments untill the last minute. always plan ahead. dont stress yourself over things you have no control over. make sure you get enough sleep eevrynight. and stay away from alcohol, drugs, parties

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[earthangel1]

Thank you all for these suggestions. I also contacted a therapist to help me get through the hard parts of school. It may be a challenge but I can overcome it.

[BlackSheep79]

I have my B.S. and M.S. and worked full time almost the entire time. I never went full time. I knew I couldn't handle that much and would end up quitting. I also took semesters off when I was dealing with my illness. My health came first, and I also didn't want to screw up my GPA.

[RomanJames2014]

I just decided to go back at 24 and it was a lot harder than I anticipated it! Still, I love it! Being bipolar and going to college gives us an outlet to be ourselves with out judgment and it gives is the chance to express ourselves creatively.
The hardest part is the meds and the depression. Other than that it's as difficult as the last few years have been.
I was so scared going to college and now o love it, I've met people and learned sooo much. Message me on here if you ever need to talk.


Roman

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[LettinG0]

Congratulations! I got my bachelor's degree....pre-diagnosis....but that doesn't mean I wasn't dealing with my illness....

There's been some good advice here....small bites, plan ahead, don't stress, don't procrastinate.....and I'm glad you have a therapist...

Best of luck!