[1Dar]

I really need someone to talk to right now because I really don't know what to do, but noone is online and so I am going to search for help here. I just got back from an 1.5hr meeting with some faculty at my school. They are recomending that I take some time off from school, I cann't do this because of all that is going on and the fact that when I am at home my depression is worse. I understand their concern, but am frustrated because I know that taking time off isn't what feel i can do right now. I am not sure what to do! Right now I am laying here crying because I can't think what else I could possibly do. I don't know what to do or how to approach this situation. I have 2years or less left of school, and have almost completed year 4. I am not sure what I should do....I don't feel like finiancially it is smart to take time off, but my instructers think it is, because of my health, both physical and mental. Somebody help me please...I am soo lost and confused...

Dar

[designs]

Wow, sorry that you are going through all this. Your professors may see some things that you cannot. Is there someone you can talk to one on one to sort this out? Hope you can do that....a good friend, relative, clergy perhaps? I am a retired teacher and have advised the same thing to some students. p.s. My nickname is Dar

[Wants2Fly]

Hello Dar -- I also have occasionally advised one of my students to take some time off when they were overwhelmed.

I know the danger of it -- I took some time off in 1966 and didn't return to college until 1989. with two two abortive attempts in between, neither lasting even one full semester.

1. If there is a counseling center on campus, or if you have a personal counselor or therapist, discuss this with them.

2. Take the summer off. This seems like an ideal time to "recharge your batteries" and a perfectly normal time not to be in classes.

3. During the summer, work with a counselor or therapist. *** I think this is really important. *** Work out a plan. Perhaps it will be best to return part-time in the fall.

4. Have some fun, too. This is really my downfall -- getting in touch with my inner child, playful self, allowing myself to have fun, recognizing pleasure and feeling it in my body.

5. It is probably wise to enroll for fall courses. At many colleges, they fill up fast. If you decide you don't wish to return in the fall, it is easier to withdraw or cancel them than it is to rush around madly, begging instructors to allow you to be a "late add" in a full class.

I have been through what you are going through. Best wishes for an outcome that nourishes and heals you.

[January]

Dar,

The advice you have been given is excellent. I totally agree that you should sign up for fall classes and take the summer off. With some therapy, you may be just fine or at least better by autumn.

I know what it is like to cry when you're all alone, and I am very sorry that it happened to you.

Jan

i'm so sorry that you are suffering so much. the advice you've been given is excellent....hang in there..xoxoxo pat

[silver_queen]

Hi Dar,

I've got a similar situation going on now, except I haven't been advised to leave university. i have still been considering it though but it isn't something I want to do. For me too, my depression gets worse when I am at home, and that's also a time when my time on the internet is limited so I can't even get as much support as I need. I'm sorry that your professors have urged you to take time off... I too wouldn't know what to do if I was in your position. Like the others suggested, maybe talking with a school counsellor would help you some, and help you see all the pros and cons of withdrawing now. Also, I imagine your semester will be finishing soon, right? Maybe you could just manage to get by until then, and then try to take up some form of counselling in the summer, which I imagine would be quite beneficial.

Feel free to PM me anytime if you want to talk about this.