Anxiety, Depression, and Uni

[IndyW]

Hi everyone,

I'm new to this but am starting to think I could really use some advice from people who have been in similar circumstances. I'm 25 and studying full time, have recently left work because something had to give. I'm currently seeing a psychologist for my depression and anxiety, following a complete meltdown last year, in an effort to gain control of my life again. I was doing alright until now, starting to feel as though my studies are slipping away and everything is ramping up again. I can't afford for my grades to slip or to drop a subject as I'm applying for Medicine in the future. It can be said I'm somewhat of a perfectionist and overachiever, and when the anxiety rears up all of that slips and I start hating myself for it. I'm not on meds at the moment, but will be as soon as exams are done for this semester, using my holidays to relax and let them balance out.

Just wondering if anyone has been a position like this before and if they have any advice? Definitely not enjoying this ramped up feeling of anxiety.

Thanks in advance.

[Neil_1]

Hi there IndyW,

Welcome to Beyond Blue and thank you for providing your post.

With regard to your psychologist, you say you’re currently seeing them, but you now feel like you’re slipping and the anxiety is getting more difficult to manage. Are these psych visits regular and are they being able to provide you with any advice as to how to combat this increase in anxiety?

I tell you being a perfectionist and an overachiever are good things – constantly striving for that much better; which I hope that you’re being able to achieve.

How much longer do you have till the exams are done and you’re able to take a break, to then begin on your meds? Have you taken any meds before and if so, what kind of affect did they have?

Kind regards

Neil

[Kathryne]

Hi Indy,

Welcome to Beyond blue

I understand your pain with Uni, I used to be a perfectionist in regard to my studies, however , I have learnt to accept that a P will get me a degree.

Semester break is nearly here, try to take a break from all the stress, then.

If you still find you are struggling can you drop just one subject. Talk to course coordinator about options to keep you on track

Regards Kathryne

[IndyW]

Thanks Neil,

I started seeing my psych at the start of the year and was feeling great, but to be honest I believe that feeling was from the more immediate "yes I'm getting something done" feeling. It's early days yet and we're talking about strategies, coping mechanisms (good and bad) and identifying warning signs. The latter I think I've picked up on in the last week. I'm currently seeing her every 2-3 weeks.

Therein lies my issue, I'm unable to achieve this at the moment, and so I feel guilty and thus the vicious cycle continues.

I have two weeks until exams and about another two on top of that until they are over. I have been on medication before and felt amazing, this time my Dr has prescribed a different one so will just have to wait and see How that goes.

[IndyW]

Hi Kathryne and thanks for your response.

Unfortunately for me that isn't the case, as I'm aiming for medicine I need to keep an average GPA of 6 to remain competitive, and I also need to keep a full course load.

I am currently in the process of applying for special needs, which will allow me to apply for extensions as needed without evidence.

Really I guess what I need is tips for getting through the episodes of either fatigue or panic, and to keep plowing on until the meds kick in.

[Kathryne]

Hi Indy

Applying for special needs sounds a good idea.

To work through your fatigue or panic episodes what do you like to do to relax, take a walk along the beach? Pat a pet? Crafts?

Usually meds start to kick in within 2-3 weeks depending.

Good luck with your exams.

Kathryne

[Neil_1]

Hi there Indy

These appointments with your psych do sound like they are providing benefits for you. It’s pleasing to read how you feel you are picking up strategies and coping mechanisms and identifying warnings signs or triggers. I know with some psych’s I’ve been to see, I’ve walked out and thought “Wow, what did I just pay for?” so that’s why it is pleasing to read that you’ve been able to list down a few things that you felt were talked about and the sessions happening every 2-3 weeks is great. Gives a bit of a buffer till you see her next, so you can try and work on some things that were spoken about; but also during that time, if something else crops up, you’ll be able to address that for the next session.

Positive thoughts Indy – positive thoughts. You say, therein lies my issue that you’re unable to achieve making the coping mechanisms and strategies provided work at the moment. But this is all still relatively new and so, you need to give things time; give yourself some time in order to investigate these options. All new things need to be practised … let’s face it, no one would be an expert at such things, the first time you try it.

Ok, so your Doc has prescribed a different medication for you this time. Though you felt really good with the last one – were you able to mention this to your Doc, and if you did get a good result from the last medication, it seems a bit of a shame that a different one has been prescribed for you. Do keep on top of this and monitor how you’re going and feeling – because if it has any adverse reactions (which I hope it doesn’t), then you should be able to get back to your Doc and let them know this.

Would love to keep on hearing from you.

Neil

[Hana21]

Hi IndyW,

Your position sounds very similar to where I am at now also. I have only recently been officially diagnosed with dealing with anxiety and depression and have started to see a psychologist also.

Firstly, you should feel so proud that you have maintained full time study, despite everything you're going through. It's something that I don't think I would be able to manage anymore.

I completely agree about talking to someone from your uni and seeing about some special assistance, it really could make all of the difference that you're needing.

The only advice I could really offer to help (and similar to what you mentioned) is aiming to find a little bit of balance in between all of the uni stress. Personally, I used to make study "cut off" times, where essentially once it turned 9pm or whenever it is in the afternoon, it's your time to just stop and recharge for the next day.

Whether something similar could help, I just find structure around chaos can bring you back to a more focused state.

Take care and good luck with everything