Depression, Anxiety and University

[AlLousie]

Hello all,

After symptoms of depression for close to a year, I made the decision to go on anti-depressants. Because i was sick my University transcript is a mess and I'm staying at uni an extra year to finish my degree. Everytime i feel like im making progress i feel as though i just get smashed down again and im back at the start. I'm trying to improve on uni from semester to semester and i feel as though i am, but that doesnt really reflect well on the transcipt. I guess i feel like me being sick now is going to hugely effect my getting a job when i finish uni.

I used to be so committed and focused on the future, i feel like a different person. I just want to get better.

[Miyamoto]

Hey AlLouise,

Sorry to hear what you're going through. I'm also a Uni student, and have had similar experiences.

First, you've done the right thing to seek professional help.

In terms of dealing with depression and bring at uni at the same time, I highly recommend you speak to your uni counselling service and get an access plan. Different universities have different names for it, but it's essentially a document which is tailored to help you.

For instance, you can use that to seek extensions if needed instead of getting a medical certificate every time.

Also the counselling service at uni can be a great support while you're studying, and can give you advice when you're illness affects your studies.

I'm not that well myself at the moment, so I feel like I'm struggling to get things across.

Just finally, in terms of your transcript it's important to remember that it's not the end of the world. It's not going to stop you from achieving your goals, and employers take a lot of other things into account.

Keep trying your best, it doesn't have to be THE best.

I hope things get better for you.

[Hang10]

Hi AlLousie

First up Welcome to Beyond Blue and also a welcome to Beyond Blue too Miyamoto.

Totally agree with Miyamoto seek the uni counseling if you feel comfortable to do so. They will understand the stress and strain it having on you and they can understand how to help you move forward easier. They are skilled to understand your needs and provide a helping hand.

Uni is a lot of stress, expectations and work load. Look at any setbacks at just a road block that you can get around. Time is a friend not everything has to be all achieved at once. You got ability as you mentioned but you been a bit fearful as it taking longer to achieve what you dreams and goals are. Try not to let that put you off. So many wonderful people have to keep on working on things longer than they like but when they achieved their goal it meant more too them than maybe someone achieving something so easily.

Believe in yourself.

Take care.

Hang10

[geoff]

Hello AlLousie, I'm pleased now you are taking AD's but to struggle through a year without the help they provide would have been a nightmare for you, but these don't fix your depression initially, you also need to have counselling in conjunction.

Life after school doing a course at uni isn't as easy as it sounds, it doesn't matter whether it's a 3 year course or perhaps much longer and I say this for a few reasons, the name of the degree you're doing might be your aim, but the subjects you have to do, might not be entertaining, this could be when boredom sets in.

So the time drags on, are you able to cut down what you have to do to finish your degree, so you can still stay at uni, or do you want to postpone your degree and finish it part-time or in a year or so.

You might be sick because that's how you are feeling being at uni, but working in a job provides a different situation where you will feel as though you're doing a great job, so maybe the scenarios are different.

Hope to hear from you.

Geoff.