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Uni Problems/depression

Help me

*looks pitiful*

I have depression/eating issues. Have been to a GP and counselling service since I started uni and I'm going to be put on antidepressants (couldn't go before because my parents are funny about it and I couldn't handle the hassle) So I am trying to get it sorted.

But I've missed a LOT of work, am missing something right now because I got my times muddled up and it had started by the time I realised :frown:

I really think I might be in serious danger of failing/being thrown off the course and I just don't know what to do

My uni does know and I have to go talk to somebody about what I've missed in a min, haven't decided whether or not to be completly honest yet :redface:

But it really is a LOT of work and most of it's vital too passing and not repeatable and I've missed stuff towards exams and stuff too. I just don't know what to do to fix this. I really am trying but things just keep happening. Even if I try really hard to get the work done I can't concentrate, or I forget things/when things are or I fall asleep :frown:

Does anyone have any advice suggestions on how too sort things out? If it's even possible. I really, really, really don't want to take time out and I'm sure this is the course I want to be doing and moving home, which I would have to if I got kicked out, is really not something I want to do.

I just don't know what to do :frown:

Reply 1

Fleece

15

Sounds like me when i started uni 2 years. i ended up dropping out and going back this year but doesnt mean you'll do that!
the most important thing is to TALK TALK TALK to uni about it - they're the only ones that can help you and they need to be able to understand whats going on with you to do this. They can give you deadline extensions with a doctors note, and also help you get organised and back on track, catching up on missed work etc.

Reply 2

Little Girl Red

1

Right okay, well done for taking the first steps with the medication and things like that!I say, be honest with the people that you have to talk to, go and talk to your lecturers, tutors etc and explain your absences and that you have problems, ask for worksheets and extra time for deadlines, ask your course mates if you can photocopy their notes, make a comprehensive timetable of EVERYTHING that you are doing, and buy an alarm clock!!!
good luck.

Reply 3

Raspberry

OP

Thanks

I think I am going to tell the truth, I've just got this horrible feeling I'm going to be told it's too late too catch up :frown:

Plus I don't think the person I have to talk to is going to be very sympathetic but I don't really have much choice, Am worried I'll just end up saying nothing like I usually do...

Reply 4

Fleece

15

i know exactly how you feel raspberry. good luck with it, unis usually have a good support network in place :smile:

Reply 5

makeshiftwings

1

Its never too late! Basically you need to be more organised, give yourself a big kick up the backside, no matter how you feel, you know you have the chance to make a difference - not just to the world, but to you.
Unis do have good support systems, if the adults aren't sympathetic there will be a fellow student willing to listen, I'm sure.

Reply 6

understatement

Antidepressants? Why, because you can’t handle uni? Therapists are really irresponsible with their authority these days!

Given your circumstances no uni would ‘kick you out’ to use your own words. You can work something out, possibly re-admittance or intercalation. On the other hand, forcing yourself to keep up in such a fragile state could only aggravate your condition.

If you are to stay, make sure you get yourself organised and exhaust every resource of help your uni has to offer. If you are to leave use the time to reflect on your experience, continue therapy if you deem it necessary, and give yourself a fresh start next year.

Reply 7

G4ry

1

understatement

Antidepressants? Why, because you can’t handle uni? Therapists are really irresponsible with their authority these days!

Therapists don't hand out drugs; they're not allowed to. They can suggest it, but many therapists don't have medical backgrounds and don't have the ability to distribute medication. Only psychiatrists do this as they have a medical background.

Reply 8

Sarky

18

I am in a similar situation to you. I suffered from clinical depression from the age of 16, and after coming off them this summer i began to suffer from acute anxiety. I'm worried about having to leave my course or defer because my anxiety is taking over my life. I don't know what your uni is like in terms of support, but this is what i've done:

1. Told my personal tutor. Its her job to know about my progress, and as soon as i knew this was something long lasting i needed to let her know. She arranged to meet me, gave me her home phone number despite being a busy hospital consultant, and has generally been there for me.

2. Told my pastoral tutor. They are more responsible for matters concerning your emotional wellbeing. As a result of telling her they are keeping an eye on me and are willing to make allowences if needed.

3. Saw the mentor team at my university. They are trying to help me get a mentor who can help me with the academic aspects of university life. Finding a way to get my work done despite feeling unwell.

4. Started cognitive behavioural therapy at the university mental health service to try and change the way i feel about things and therefore reduce my anxiety.

5. Started back on antidepressants. In a way i feel like i've taken a step back, but i'd do anything to stop feeling like this so i need something to help me although i feel the talking therapy will be more beneficial.

6. Made my friends at university aware. I feel bad leaning on them and most of the time i don't because i don't feel comfortable doing it. But last week i came out of my lectures and told them i was packing my bags and leaving. I said goodbye to them and went back to halls to pack. They went and told one of my lecturers from last year and she phoned me, offered to come and sit with me and talk through some of my problems. She managed to keep me here, and if it wasn't for my friends i would have left already.

I know it seems like a lot, but i am just trying to cover my bases to ensure i have as much support as is possible. Counselling sounds like a good idea, and hopefully you won't have fallen to far behind. I know what some of what you are experiencing as i have suffered depression, and you are doing the right thing in seeking help. Don't give up and don't be too hard on yourself.

Reply 9

MNBStyle

9

Fleece

Sounds like me when i started uni 2 years. i ended up dropping out and going back this year but doesnt mean you'll do that!
the most important thing is to TALK TALK TALK to uni about it - they're the only ones that can help you and they need to be able to understand whats going on with you to do this. They can give you deadline extensions with a doctors note, and also help you get organised and back on track, catching up on missed work etc.

Ha i agree with fleece again, but remember to tell them your on anti depressants, because they can make you tired sometimes and other not so nice symptoms sometimes

Reply 10

Wild Thing

11

Hmm weird. Gd luck though!

Reply 11

Raspberry

OP

Thanks for all your nice messages :smile:

I actually feel much better about getting stuff sorted with the uni now. The person I was supposed to see wasn't there so I have to go back on mon, but I feel more positive about it, so thanks :smile:

Oh and I'm prob gonna regret asking this, but why is it wierd?

Reply 12

Evenstar

13

I have had problems with depression in the past and people are generally very understanding when you some clean with them. If they know you've been having a tough time I'm sure they will want to help you get back on track. Hope you feel better soon xx
*big hugs*

Reply 13

kalen

8

Sarky

4. Started cognitive behavioural therapy at the university mental health service to try and change the way i feel about things and therefore reduce my anxiety.

5. Started back on antidepressants. In a way i feel like i've taken a step back, but i'd do anything to stop feeling like this so i need something to help me although i feel the talking therapy will be more beneficial.

CBT is great for depression too. And although antidepressants can seem like a good way to solve the problem in the short term, you are right in saying the therapy will be more beneficial. Antidepressants just "hide" the symptoms, they do not cure the problem, so once you stop taking them, in most cases, you'll be depressed all over again (have seen it happen many times, unfortunately). Therapy can actually help you actively seeking improvement and from therapy you can actually learn something that will be useful to you in the long run, not to mention the benefits from being able to overcome the problem yourself rather than being passively pushed on by drugs.

Reply 14

Sophdoph

1

I'd echo everything that Sarky said. I missed a great chunk of work last year after a bereavement. I told my personal tutor, my halls warden and all my friends (and my friends did a fab job of discreetly making my coursemates/non-close flatmates aware of the situation). The more people that know, I think, the better as it gives you more room to be honest and get as much support as you can.

My personal tutor told all my lecturers, and I got extensions when I asked for them pretty much no questions asked..and a good deal of support. I also had a tutor over the summer to help me catch up. Ask for special consideration for exams, and also def try counselling and any behaviour therapy you can get. I'm in counselling currently but also want to try some therapy for PTSD...have a great GP who I see every month or so to keep him informed of everything, and to make sure I'm as healthy as I can be all round to keep me on an even keel.

I've found this year I did miss SO much last year but I am just trying to keep up and do my best with support from friends. I'm gonna get a tutor again as well for the more difficult bits. Just get as much support as you can and try every avenue. You never know what might help :smile:

Reply 15

xXMessedUpXx

15

The tiredness etc? That could be the anti-depressents right? Make sure you stay in good contact with your uni, if it comes to work etc i'm sure they'd tak everything into consideration. I'm going through something similar at the moment tho i still haven't seen anyone about it (top of my list to do) and i missed a lot of work at the start. And i ahven't told my parents. I'm not sure what else to say, other than i really hope that things work ut for you hun x
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wild thing

Hmm weird. Gd luck though!

why is it "weird"? Depression is very common nowadays, and a massive change such as uni can often trigger it.

Uni Problems/depression

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