returning to school

Hi- I was out last year for the whole 2nd semester due to being so overwhelmed with life in general that I couldn't function. I am returning to school next week and there is a back to school bbq on thur. I am really nervous about going back because I don't know how to answer ppl if the subject of my absence is brought up. Has anyone been out for an extended time? and if so, how did you answer all the queestions that ppl hav? thx!

Hi Miswimmy1 - i haven't seen you around before so welcome I can understand your apprehension, i was off towards the final year of secondary school and almost missed my exams. To be honest i don't think it really matters what response you give people will probably be over curious and question more than they should etc. If you say you simply don't wish to talk about it, you can only hope that people will respect your privacy enough to just leave you alone - of course theres nothing you can do about any more interest this might generate but its no worse than telling them its none of their business - if you go in as smiley and as confident as you can be people should hopefully move on from it quite quickly. All the best.

i'm in the same position. i left school and it's been about 3 years without seeing all the friends i made. i'm not sure what I'm going to say, but I want them to know I missed them, and want them in my life, so no matter what I think it's going to be fine. does that help at all?

about sharing.... I think it's okay to share a little. I certainly won't be telling them I have schizoaffective disorder( not right away), but it's okay to let them in on the fact that I have personal issues that kept me away.

I might say, "listen, i've been in therapy and working out some stuff that really messed my life up." And i will let them know that i need and want them in my corner. i think what matters is that you're just there with them, and you want to have fun. like the ol' times. it's going be great to see them, i actually can't wait to be at the point where i can really let them in on what's happened, but not right away.