[crys2019]

I'm almost finished with my first semester of dental school. It's actually finals week and I feel unbelievably terrible about myself and it's almost to the point where I feel like I should quit. I received a C overall in one class, yes it's passing and find for some, but the amount of work I put into the class and to miss a B overall by a matter of 3 points has really made me dislike myself and everything around me. For me, grades define my self worth, and I've never had achieved anything below a B overall. Even when I did stellar, it didn't make me very happy either, if that makes sense. Dental school hasn't been easy for me at all and I honestly don't have a passion for it. I am doing it for a career and stability for the future. I've struggled with again, my self worth as a person, and I often wish I wasn't born into this world due to all my issues with a lack of happiness. I feel stupid most of the days I'm in class and it makes my sadness worse as the days go by. I try and ask myself, if school is so terrible right now, even after I graduate, will things get better? I hate to get into an existential debate, but after this life, are these struggles worth anything?

[Fizzyo]

Hi crys2019,

Well done for making it to the end of your semester, despite the depression.

You only missed a B by three marks, WOW that's a great result when you feel so low.
I had to battle depression in university, and I got a lower grade than I hoped, but it didn't stop me following my profession.

Maybe you can try to challenge the thought that your grade defines your worth...
You want to work in a job that helps other people, that's worthwhile. You worked hard at your studies, that's good too!
Would you despise a good friend who made 3marks less than they wanted? I think not.
Why do you need to be harder on yourself than you would be on someone else's????
Above all you're a human being, a person and in my opinion, that makes you valuable by itself.

I hope this doesn't sound like preaching, but if you expect more of yourself than you can achieve, that's not going to help you succeed. Most people find they get lower grades than they are used to in uni, because the work is harder.

I hope you can come to terms with and be pleased that you passed. Almost a B which is good enough for the school.

Try not to make an important decision while at the peak of disappointment,
Good luck and I hope you can work with this opportunity you have created for yourself to complete the next semester too.

[little turtle]

hi crys...it is good that you are talking to us...

[crys2019]

Originally Posted by Fizzyo

Hi crys2019,

Well done for making it to the end of your semester, despite the depression.

You only missed a B by three marks, WOW that's a great result when you feel so low.
I had to battle depression in university, and I got a lower grade than I hoped, but it didn't stop me following my profession.

Maybe you can try to challenge the thought that your grade defines your worth...
You want to work in a job that helps other people, that's worthwhile. You worked hard at your studies, that's good too!
Would you despise a good friend who made 3marks less than they wanted? I think not.
Why do you need to be harder on yourself than you would be on someone else's????
Above all you're a human being, a person and in my opinion, that makes you valuable by itself.

I hope this doesn't sound like preaching, but if you expect more of yourself than you can achieve, that's not going to help you succeed. Most people find they get lower grades than they are used to in uni, because the work is harder.

I hope you can come to terms with and be pleased that you passed. Almost a B which is good enough for the school.

Try not to make an important decision while at the peak of disappointment,
Good luck and I hope you can work with this opportunity you have created for yourself to complete the next semester too.

Thank you for the reply. When all this happened it was extremely hard to deal with but you're definitely right about not making a decision in the peak of difficult times. I'll press on and see what happens. Thank you again, it's so difficult not being able to talk to anyone, so I greatly appreciate your reply.

[Fizzyo]

(take your pick, which suits best)