My mental health is too much and I want to drop out of year 12!

[Winkpink13]

Hi, this is my first ever post on this forum! Let’s just say I am in a dark place, I have been dealing with GAD for years now and recently the depression side of things had gotten the better of me. I’ve been constantly needing distractions, I hate that I need distractions cause I am a person who wants more than anything to be completely happy and satisfied with themselves, and who doesn’t need anything/anybody else. Not to mention I have very recently been through a break up type scenario. This person was not only a distraction, but someone who I felt made even my darkest days worth fighting for. I hated that this person was sometimes the only thing getting me through but it was the truth. We ended because he wasn’t ready for any sort of commitment, which hurts even more because there was nothing wrong with us! We were so close, and the thought of him and I working out wasn’t a recent one, we have been mates for ages now! He liked me as much as I liked him so he is just as hurt... which makes it 10x worse. Anyway, throughout the past few years I have had many days off school as I have had to completely focus on myself... I truly believe I am my number 1 priority. Recently, school has been really hard for me. I understand I am in year 12, I get amazing grades, but I don’t think school is for me anymore. I want to do something that I enjoy and that I want to spend my days doing, but I am so scared I would regret dropping out of year 12. My end goal in life is to be happy with my chosen career, my favourite saying is that “if you love your job, you’ll never work a day in your life.” I am most worried that not completing my year 12 is going to stop me from getting my dream job in the long run (I don’t know what my dream job is yet!) I’m so stuck! What do I do? I feel like I can’t go on with this year, I am at extreme breaking points and most days I physically and mentally can not go to school, which is becoming a problem. I feel like my expectations in life are achievable and I know not every day is going to be happy, but I want a change! I’ve always wondered what life would be like if I took a different route to the ‘normal’, I know school isn’t for everyone, is it for me? Help!

[Skary Bill]

Hi Winkpink13,

Good on you for reaching out to talk about your conundrum. I've replied because I did leave school in year 12. And while I'm not a big fan of regrets, I have to acknowledge that by doing that, I closed the door on some career opportunities and even some life opportunities.

All throughout life we encounter hurdles that for the most part we can take in our stride. But inevitably there will be some major roadblocks that take more effort and energy to get past. Year 12 is one of those. When you're at school, life is quite regimented and everything is structured. Sometimes you will feel like a cog in the machine. But I want to assure you, that once you get past year 12, life opens up like you won't believe. If you go to Uni, you will find the structure is yours to build. You will have all the opportunity to focus on you that your heart can desire.

I get that your heart is heavy right now, and you feel like the pressure is on. But if you look up, there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and the valley on the other side is awesome. The value in completing year 12 is that it gives you more choices and it makes some career paths much easier to follow. Once you've got it done, you'll always have it. If you step out now, it's most likely you will never go back to it and you will make do, but with less options and a few more hurdles.

My advice... Dig deep and get past this one. You will be so glad you did. You've come this far now, take the trophy and bank the satisfaction of completion. The change you want is not far away. 🙂

You've got this!

Bill.

[CJames]

Hi Winkpink13,

You're so brave for reaching out on this forum; it's a big step and a big one for moving forward - So great work 🙂

I'm really sorry to hear about your recent breakup; it must be so hard on top of all of this.

As a recent graduate of Year 12, now in TAFE, I suggest sticking with it. But you have to remember that in the end, it's your call to make, not anyone else's, yours only.

I want to ask you a few things, and please don't be overwhelmed with my questions 🙂 (You don't have to answer them, and I'll try to keep them simple.)

Firstly and I'm sure you sick of hearing this one, I know I was getting towards the end of high school, May I ask what sort of career path/s you want to pursue? Don't worry if you don't know, I had no clue and still don't.

What are the positives of high school for you? (Maybe something you enjoy doing, friends, interests, hobbies)

What are the negatives of high school for you? (Stuff you dislike, maybe a subject you dislike)

What is something you want to achieve before the end of 2019? (It's relevant trust me ;), perhaps a goal or reading a book)

My question responses are pretty general right, I know, I'm hopelessly not creative. I can tell you my last year was super stressful, but guess what? I got through it, the same as you will too if you choose also.

I know my post hasn't been the most helpful yet, but I'll await your reply so that I can tailor a response to you.

If you are interested, I have replied to several threads regarding high school during my time there, and it might be helpful to take a look.

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/young-people/too-worried-to-attend-school

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/young-people/school-anxiety

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/young-people/stressed-out-about-school

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/suicidal-thoughts-and-self-harm/back-to-school-anxiety

These threads have some great insight into your school life, so use them at your leisure.

I look forward to working with you Winkpink; I'm almost sure we can help.

Till next time, C.

❤️

Keep your head up and look forward; there's no looking back.