From A+'s to Failing 5 Classes

I'm a junior (11th grade) in high school and I started off the year doing really well with my grades. On the first progress report I have 4 100's and the rest were all high A's. Our second progress report came in yesterday and I'm failing, not one, but FIVE classes. I just can't seem to do well on the tests, concentrate, and most of all, motivate myself and I'm suffering greatly in my home life because of it. I have a lot of parental pressure and both of them are so mad at me and keep telling me how lazy and a disappointment I am and how unsuccessful I'm going to be. Switching to easier classes isn't an option, and my parents would never allow it even if it was. I'm in all AP or pre-AP classes as well as year 3 of Chinese. I AM SO STRESSED!!! Yet I have no time to relax... I play in a city orchestra, I'm in the marching and concert band, I have doctors/therapists/pyschiatrists appointments several times a week, I'm a member of a youth group, and I've got a ton of gigs, solo competitions, and concerts I'm committed to... How do I manage this all?! I'm feeling so hopeless and like such a failure...

I don't think you are a failure, it sounds more like you are over committed more than anything...

Is there a reason your grades are slipping? Are you having a hard time understanding the material? Do you just not have enough time to study because of everything else? I think you should see if you can talk to one of your teachers or your therapist and see if someone would talk to your parents on your behalf. It sounds like they may not listen if it comes from you, but if your t or your teacher explains to them how hard you are trying but that you just have too many things to juggle, they might be more understanding.

I do think you need some adult you can trust, and who could speak to your parents, with all you do, and how hard you try, it greatly concerns me that they are not Concerned for You as person. It sounds as though you are overwhelmed, obviously you can, and have, done the work to obtain high grades; something is happening that is getting in the way. Is it the Expectations? Has something else changed in your life? ....hang in there, if you can talk with your guidance counselor...and of course to your t. ....

You are not a failure, you just got sick

I know it is hard to remember that mental illness is really just like any other illness when you think about it. It's just easy to forget since the symptoms are not immediately obvious.

I have had a similar experience this semester. I had my first bipolar manic episodes in October and as a result needed to drop all but one class. I am a distinguished student with many awards and scholarships at my college so this really took a toll on my self esteem.

However I don't eat myself up over it anymore since the bipolar was out of my control. The best we can do is take care of ourselves and get better so we can return to our good academic performance. I strongly suggest you talk with the counselors on campus and get them to speak with your parents. Your parents need to realize hat this is not just you being lazy but you need medical help or therapy.

Hang in there. You are not alone!