[beauflow]

I know the answer is yes-- older people do this I know... but I have to wonder how many of you guys/gals on here on psych central have

I am 25, i graduated with honors from high school @ 18, went to a trade school from 19-20, but that was just 8 months--- but one thing with me of "not amount to anything" stuck with me-- it still does to this day, but-- I am getting tired of my job inducing some triggers- and all due to my supervisor- yes I know get a new job, but that is hard these days plus harder for a person that has anxiety of going to fail at that (a new job) and this one they know oh so well-- every nook and cranny.

Also the uncertainty of what to do-- where do i fit to do well? (I know that is a personal thing)

I just have to wonder-- how many did not go to school for years, but got back into it.

I doubt these days I would be any where honor material-- I fried my brain too much from 18-22 (ha ha? but it is true some things I have lost like pre-calc -- I can't even do simple algebra right now-- and i have so many issues with being focused these days on such things to pick up again-- i have tried)

But just wondering-

[Merlin]

I did initially go to university following high school, but had to take years off due to my bipolar. This term I went back after two year off. I found that I needed to relearn some skills such as textbook reading and taking notes; and, given my exam on Friday, apparently studying as well. I would recommend going back slowly taking one course a semester and building upwards in following terms. I doubt I will ever go full-time due to my disability and my intent to keep working. I would also relax your mark expectations for your early courses as you relearn the necessary skills. I think going back is a wonderful idea if you are interested in doing so.

[Travelinglady]

I am glad you hear you are wanting to give it a shot. Maybe you can take a course or two and see how that goes! I know there are successful folks with mental illnesses who are able to get through.

[kaliope]

I went to college straight out of high school because it was expected of me. i was self medicating with lots of alcohol. it took me three years to get an associates degree. an unplanned pregnancy led to marriage and full time motherhood. i always wanted to go back to school but never knew what for. when i was 35, i started again at the community college taking just one class a semester figuring i would eventually decide on a major once i got core requirements out of the way. it took me ten years, but i eventually earned a second associates degree and my bachelors degree in 2008. that with having a major nervous breakdown in 2007 and being hospitalized twice, one of those two weeks before graduation. I was rejected from grad school because of the whole breakdown mental illness ptsd bipolar mess that happened during school. But i did make it thru with a 4.o.

[Dani]

I didn't go to college after high school because I had a lot of problems. I decided to go to college when I was 29 and it was the best decision I ever made. Now I'm in my 3rd year and even though it's a little awkward at my university because I feel like the oldest student, I'm determined to finish.

[Fresia]

I started out going to college right out of high school and what I know now, besides my MI, I did not have the maturity, patience, or knowledge to have a clue as to what the heck I needed to do survive and be successful there. I floundered to say the least. For some, this works out really well going right out of school; for many I have met have had a better grasp of things than I did at that age. I was not one of them but the nice thing about life is that you can figure things out at your own pace.

Going back much later, firstly after getting treatment and gaining some experience, has shifted my priorities, focus, and ability to concentrate. I started back at the community college to get back in the swing of things and to get some skills, besides being able to figure out and fine tune out what it was I wanted to do by taking various classes of interest. Also, the advisors and career center at the college were helpful to me in figuring this out as well. Perhaps this would be the place to start, with a class that interests you for a possible career and then go from there.

[Kristara]

im going through the same debate, im 24 and want to go to college but i dont know if i'll be able to cope with being so much older, i already have severe anxiety and my psych thinks bipolar or manic/ depression or whatever. not sure if its worth wasting my time on honestly, and i have a really hard time paying attention so i think i will fail anyways...
confused also...

[Feiticeira]

After highschool I ended up 'frying my brain', as well, for five years on and off. I just returned to school this year (I'm 25), and I love it! I'm so glad I decided to go, it was an amazing boost to my self confidence.

I went in without a solid idea of why I was going, but I figured that out and now I couldn't be happier. There are actually a few people that are around my age attending college, I know it isn't 'normal', but that doesn't bother me much, it's not like I look light years older than everyone else.

Also,they have placement tests at the community colleges so you won't be placed in courses that you can't handle, but if you do have trouble just go find a tutor.

Since your in the U.S. I recommend you apply for Fafsa, it's a pain in the butt, but it can really help with the costs of attending. Also, a nice perk of being 24+ is you don't need your parents income on the fafsa forms, so they are a bit easier to fill out.

[gimmeice]

Right out of high school I decided to take a year off to "decide" what I wanted to do, was considering either the military or college. Ended up pregnant and married before the year ended, lol.

At the age of 30 I decided I wanted to do college so I signed up for online classes. It has worked well for me because I am able to still be home with my kids and work on my degree also. They ease you into classes so you don't end up over your head but the bad thing about online classes is that you are not eligible for as much financial aid. I was never good at school but have done well so far in my classes (3.92).