[netsavy006]

One of my goals is wanting to go back to college.

What I'd like to know is what are some things I can do (both school and psych related) to help ease the transition back to school?

I thank you for all of your responses,
~ Andy

[Perna]

I took some courses online and enjoyed getting use to doing schoolwork before I had to actually be in school with others. A little confidence that I could do the work helped so I wasn't trying to do the work in public with others watching.

[Christina86]

How long have you been out? Did you do college before? Do you know what to expect? There are a lot of tips I can give, but I don't know much about your current academic background.

[netsavy006]

Originally Posted by Christina86

How long have you been out? Did you do college before? Do you know what to expect? There are a lot of tips I can give, but I don't know much about your current academic background.

I left college back in January 2009. I was in college from Sept. 2005 - Jan 2009, and have completed 58 credits.

[Travelinglady]

Also, I'm wondering how things went before.....Did you have any particular struggles? Are you planning on going back to the same school? More info, please and we'll be glad to offer some other advice/suggestions!

[netsavy006]

I'm not sure right now exactly which school I want to go to, but I inquired information from 5 schools, one being the one I had attended.

My main struggle was that my symptoms were getting in the way off completing my coursework. My main symptoms were depression/mood swings, and hallucinations.

[Travelinglady]

Okay, thanks for additional input! I used to be a college professor before I had to go on disability because of my health.

Well, first of all, you certainly do have an idea of what college is like, so that should help!

I'm wondering......Did you ever take advantage of any mental-health services or academic support programs that your school might have had? Those might be some things to make a beeline for as soon as you get registered.

Can you take a light class load? Maybe, ideally, just start out with a few classes--or even just one, so you can get your feet wet again?

Can you take an "easier" class or classes initially? I know you'll need to have a major and take a certain number of courses in it, but I wouldn't recommend jumping right into "Quantum Physics" or some other demanding class at the beginning.....

Were you able to establish a working relationship with any of your professors or other staff folks such as tutors? If you feel comfortable about it, then you might consider letting them these folks know that you have more challenges to overcome than the typical student. Of course, you might have some, particularly at a big school, who say, "Tough Noogies. That's your problem." However, some professors/tutors can be understanding and willing to work with you.

Speaking of the size of the school, smaller schools generally are more student-oriented than major universities, if you can swing the cost of a private school.

Well, those are some thoughts off the top of my head anyway!