Hi bluesky,
I hope you don't mind me replying.
I noticed you said "but we have to remember that people mostly just post the good and not the bad." This is a really important thing to remember.
In my studies, I remember a lecturer saying that people will only post something like 3% of what's happening in their life on social media and more often than not it's the things that will portray them in a positive light.
A person who is posting up happy photos that look perfect may be suffering just like we are. I don't know about you, but over the years I have perfected the "I'm fine" mask. While I may be anxious or depressed etc in my life, you'd never know it from looking on my Facebook.
I think it's super important to remember that no-one's life is perfect and it's super easy to smile and post a perfect picture, even if it's a complete lie. That's where comparing oneself to people on social media is something to be really mindful of. I find it always helpful to remember what my lecturer said whenever I find myself comparing myself to others.
Also, studying is super hard when you have a mental illness. I'm in third year and struggle with wanting to drop out at least once a month sometimes more. The best thing about studying though is you're never too old to do it, it's not like you get to a certain age and university isn't there anymore. It took me until I was 36 to even start. I think your partner was super brave to even try and then super brave to admit that it wasn't benefiting his mental health. So many students end up not taking care of themselves because they put too much pressure on getting a degree. Hopefully he can continue his studies in the future.
Anyway, sorry for butting in, have a good night 🙂
Lici
