University

[collectivecreative]

So I like uni. Ive made a tonne of friends I actually like (unlike many of my friends from school who say they can't find friends at uni) and I enjoy going to classes/discussing topics of real importance to me. But I've always suffered from depression/anxiety (since primary school) and I have an intense phobia of studying that I've developed. I just can't do the work. So right now I'm avoiding classes which I enjoy and have stopped attempting assessments as I know I can't complete them. I have the option of pulling out of class this semester but I've already put so much time into it and my parents will be disappointed. I don't know what to do and I don't want to ruin my future by deferring from uni for a bit.

[HA1]

Hi there!

It is a looong time since I went to Uni, but I suspect that the feelings you are going through is not all that uncommon - especially if you are just starting out in Uni. Do you think it might help if you dropped a few subjects so as to reduce your workload. A softer transition might help. A lot of students do this. Speak to your course coordinator to see what they can do for you.

K

[Uni_nursing_student]

Hi,

I am struggling with this right now aswell, I have suffered from depression since i was 15, and now i have 6 months till graduation. I also get overwhelmed when it comes to studying and avoid it at all costs. What helped me was i spoke to the unit coordinator to let them know what was happening, they provided me with extensions and support. Also dedicate 2 hours a day to studying and nothing else, have a permanent time frame throughout the week for this, take breaks in between. Something else which helped me was writing down every assessment due in time order and ticking it off as i go, it showed me progress. What i suggest is dropping down to part time 2 subjects just for next semester to get your life in order. If you defer a whole semester when you go back you will be hit with this large workload all over again. If you study 2 units at a time you can explores different methods to cope with your anxiety of studying.I hope this helps you

[Ariel1]

Hi All,

I'm currently studying a PhD, after completing an Honours degree in Psychology (whilst raising three kids): obviously, I have Bipolar disorder, with a fair amount of Mania (helpful around exam time), but I also experience extreme fatigue. I found that the Universities that I attended, whilst far from being perfect, all had wonderful Disability Support services as well as Scholarships specifically for people living with chronic medical conditions.

I would say, if you have your team in place (a good psychiatrist, psychologist and GP), then go for it! One of the only ways that we will ever get past the discrimination (usually called "stigma") that many of us face, if if some of us can bring what's called our "lived experience" into the world. This is especially important in Academia.

Please let me know if anyone needs any further advice,

Ariel

[kbkman]

I'm a 24 year old who just finished his first year undergrad. I had depression for many years, since I was 15 or 16, and I still have some anxiety trouble I never could get rid of. I know what you mean. I develop anxiety about uni for no apparent reason - I do really well on the coursework and my classes aren't bad. For some reason i just get this dread about being there.

The remnants of my old chronic anxiety problem surfaced for the first time in 2 years or more when I had to do my first class presentation. I thought I was rid of this issue, until my heart started pounding and I couldn't move my mouth properly to speak a single word. Very annoying

I don't think you should be concerned with deferring. Lots of people do it. If you think your current state of mind is detrimental to your performance, maybe you do need a rest, and some time to just work and rest and ponder.

On the other hand uni-nursing-student had an excellent suggestion: going part time. It may be the best way to keep your head in the game and also give you time to yourself to try and sort it out?

[Needhelpp]

It took a great amount of strength for me to finish my undergrad whilst having depression and also the fact that I hated my degree. I still have depression, especially not knowing what I want to do with my life now.

[Jessicatherese94]

Hi Collectivecreative, firstly I'm sorry to hear that you're suffering. You wont ruin your career from deferring from university for a bit, I know plenty of people who have taken a break only to return more focused and more ready. Does your university offer disability services? Most Australian universities do, and you can gain special consideration based on your needs (i.e. more time to complete assignments, your own room during a test etc). I would consider all these options if I were you. You can do it, I believe in you.