help?

I'm going to start my first year of University soon, and I'm majoring in Psychology. My dream career was initially teaching, but after a stint at a school it was shattered. I really like helping people... so now I'm harbouring other dreams.

If I really like psychology, and would like to go for it alone, I would eventually become a clinical psychologist. That's what I thought.. until I realised I had interest in certain parts of medicine.

Thing is: I used to fail science. My science was really bad, and I had to struggle so hard through it. So I'm confused - why do I want this now? And I was telling myself, if I really loved psychology but still want medicine, I would eventually aim to be a psychiatrist.

My main issue would be the sciences part of it. I know it's going to be difficult.. but I'm unsure whether I really want it. And I have a psychiatric illness, so I'm scared I'm not able to be one

Any advices for this confused person? I was thinking, if by second year I am still on the thought, then I should start studying for the MCAT. But I'm wondering too.. whether it would be enough time to revise everything.

*sigh* why do I want a career in this when I am the one who is mentally ill...

To work on the science courses - can you improve your study skills in order to achieve As in these courses?
Why would having a psych illness mean that a person is not able to achieve - look at the accomplishments of Dr. Patricia Deegan (and the recovery model).

And Marsha Linehan with DBT, Carl Jung's work came out of his own "issues" (check out "Memories, Dreams, Reflections", he didn't want it published till he died as he feared he would be looked on as "unscientific" or "mystical")..... many others----
I found that I enjoyed sciences much more as an adult than I did in high school.
Go for it, whatever "it" turns out to be.

Both psychology and pre-med require some similar courses, especially in the beginning; I would take a couple science courses your first year and see how you do. I changed majors in my senior year and still made it work. If you really want something second year is plenty of time to decide and revise.

Rose, what I mean is that I'm scared due to my medical history I would be barred from medical school should I want to pursue it because in my country, should I have a history of psychiatrist illnesses, I can't become a nurse or occupational therapist. What more doctors

Winter4me, same! I'm out of high school now and I realise sciences are more interesting... but its the question of whether I'll ace the exams. Thanks though!

Perna, I'm planning to go to a graduate medical school. My psychology course is quite rigid actually, I can't really take any other science modules I'd have to study on my own.. so I'm not quite sure.

Thanks for the replies guys! I know this is ultimately something I have to decide on my own but I guess I just need an extra boost..

Ah, I didn't realize you are in the UK/EU sort of university? The US isn't that rigid, there's more flexibility, we have four years instead of just three and the first couple years have more general courses and electives but I realize UK universities are more dedicated to a subject so can imagine psychology and only psychology, so help me, etc.

I would base how well I might do with the science/medical stuff by how well I got along with my psychology courses; even the basic ones I had are quite detailed since one has to learn about the senses and how they work in the brain and I know my University had a dog track (Pavlov) and shark tanks, etc., enough science to see if you can improve on how well you use to do because you're more interested or something? I always did poorly in science, never had physics but with my second degree I decided to take astronomy, since it had some physics and that sort of problems in it and I did fine once I was older and more interested in studying for the learning/my own sake than just because I "had" to.

I think that may be the very reason that you want to go into this field... you have firsthand experience.

I am a junior in high school, wanting to major in psychology, and although I dont have any words of wisdom for you, i totally get you. I am not a strong student in math or science, but I really want to be in this field. I get where you're coming from.

Hey, the mentally ill can study psychology! You will be wonderful, really. If it's something you want, I'd say go for it.

As for science, I know it can be terrifying. I first went into college (or uni, which ever you prefer) as an art major. I ended up as a bio major minoring in abnormal psych. I was TERRIFIED to get into biology, chemistry, physics, because despite my abilities to do well with scientific practices and understanding theories, I am a horrid math student. I am learning disabled, and that took a huge toll on my self confidence when it comes to education. My choice was to give it a try, find math classes related to the sciences, and with a lot of help, I managed to do well.

Definitely talk to some professors and ask about restrictions, etc. It's better to know the limits beforehand, I think.

I’m in a satellite school of an Aussie university so there’s pretty much limited courses available here. Unless, I choose to do a semester at the parent university. True though about the science/medical stuff. I took Bio and Chemistry but I forgot ALL of them.. been like eons since I last studied them.. I’m still considering my true path I guess. Guess in the meantime while studying Psychology I shall go learn elementary bio/phy/chem hahaha! (I even forgot how to balance equations for chemistry.. what more for others! And I have zero knowledge of physics!) Thanks for the advice!

Haha I guess what I’m most scared of is: a relapse! Maybe we’re not strong in math and science but I guess it’s passion and a desire to help others that pulls us through. As the chinese say, jiayou! We can do this!

Woah! That’s a really big jump! Thank you for the advice!

Thank you to all of you! I guess I’m more confident now that I shall hold on to this dream and see where it goes from here..