What should I do if I really don't want to go to school anymore?

[Livy]

I'm a year 10 student who has recently moved to a new school after being bullied at my last. I made that choice in hope of getting better attendance and it has not worked. I feel as though it doesn't matter what school I attend I'll always carry the burden of not fitting in and breaking down before school, I simply feel out of options of what to do next. I want to go to school but I just can't. I don't particularly want to drop out as I fear that would disappoint my parents and my bf im a girl who really wants to do well in life but after having those experiences at my last school I have never been able to find the motivation to put in any effort into my schooling. Not to mention im failing year 10 as of my attendance.

[TrueSeeker]

Hello Livy

I'm so sorry that you feel like that. I can see that you've been through a lot and it's taken its toll. It's not easy to put our past behind us and deal with bad things but it's worth an effort to try to make it easier as good things can still happen. It can help a lot to talk to your parents or to Kids Helpline as there could be other options as well like home schooling etc. Relaxation techniques can help a lot in calming our anxiety down. Finding a peaceful place and focusing on better happier future.

I hope that it helped at least a little bit, please take good care of yourself, be nice to yourself, things will get better and easier when we take steps towards it

[Summer Rose]

Hi Livy

I understand how you feel about attending school, as I supported my daughter for years when she had difficulties attending high school due to a mental health condition. 
I want to encourage you to receive your education. It would be an absolute shame if anxiety about attending school were to “win” and affect your future career and aspirational options. Here are a few ideas to consider.

If your parents are supportive, home schooling is an option. However, it would require a real commitment on your behalf and your parents to make it work and for you to remain motivated—just things to consider.
You can also do some research into alternative schooling models in your area. You are not alone with this issue, there are many young people who just can’t attend school and there are now a range of schools to choose from.

You could also choose to persevere with traditional schooling, with reasonable supports put in place by school to help you succeed. I am talking about asking for a reduced class load (in my state students need only complete 4 subjects to complete high school over years 11 and 12 and receive an ATAR), asking for an Individual Learning Plan which provides flexibility around start times, allows for a safe private space to deal with anxiety without leaving school, flexibility about leaving class when required, etc.

To go down this route, you will need documentation from a mental health professional to explain why you can’t attend school. You and a support person would need to sit down with a school representative to negotiate what you need and what school will provide. 
Do you see a mental health professional to deal with the impact of being bullied? If not, I’d like to encourage you to consider reaching out for help. Life can get better.

Happy to brainstorm more ideas. Please post any time.

Kind thoughts to you