Feeling Really Stuck and Depressed About My Uni Course – Advice Needed
Hi everyone,
I’m really struggling right now and would appreciate any advice or perspectives.
I’m a second-year pharmacy student, and honestly, I feel so depressed because of my course, university, and just my overall situation. I didn’t have the best first year at uni, but I coped with it somehow. At the time, I thought I liked my course, but now I’m not even sure if that was true or if I was just convincing myself.
Back in 2023, I received and met an offer to study biochemistry at a Russell Group university, but I rejected it to study pharmacy at my current uni. Since the second year started, I’ve been really regretting that decision. I keep wondering if I made the wrong choice and if I would’ve been happier if I’d gone with biochemistry.
Lately, I’ve been thinking about dropping out after this year and restarting a new degree, but I’m torn. Pharmacy will require two more years plus a foundation year, which feels like a really long time, especially since I’ve been miserable for months. The only thing keeping me going is the idea of possibly working in the pharmaceutical industry, but I’m questioning if it’s worth another 2–3 years of being this unhappy.
I’ve been feeling like this since August, and it’s honestly starting to scare me because I’ve never felt this low before. I’m really worried about my mental health and unsure of what to do. Would you guys recommend trying antidepressants? I’m hesitant about taking that step but feel like I’m out of options right now.
If anyone has been through something similar or has advice on whether I should stick with pharmacy, start over, or how to handle my mental health, I’d really appreciate it.
Thank you.
I’m really struggling right now and would appreciate any advice or perspectives.
I’m a second-year pharmacy student, and honestly, I feel so depressed because of my course, university, and just my overall situation. I didn’t have the best first year at uni, but I coped with it somehow. At the time, I thought I liked my course, but now I’m not even sure if that was true or if I was just convincing myself.
Back in 2023, I received and met an offer to study biochemistry at a Russell Group university, but I rejected it to study pharmacy at my current uni. Since the second year started, I’ve been really regretting that decision. I keep wondering if I made the wrong choice and if I would’ve been happier if I’d gone with biochemistry.
Lately, I’ve been thinking about dropping out after this year and restarting a new degree, but I’m torn. Pharmacy will require two more years plus a foundation year, which feels like a really long time, especially since I’ve been miserable for months. The only thing keeping me going is the idea of possibly working in the pharmaceutical industry, but I’m questioning if it’s worth another 2–3 years of being this unhappy.
I’ve been feeling like this since August, and it’s honestly starting to scare me because I’ve never felt this low before. I’m really worried about my mental health and unsure of what to do. Would you guys recommend trying antidepressants? I’m hesitant about taking that step but feel like I’m out of options right now.
If anyone has been through something similar or has advice on whether I should stick with pharmacy, start over, or how to handle my mental health, I’d really appreciate it.
Thank you.
Reply 1
Original post
by AnonymousHi everyone,
I’m really struggling right now and would appreciate any advice or perspectives.
I’m a second-year pharmacy student, and honestly, I feel so depressed because of my course, university, and just my overall situation. I didn’t have the best first year at uni, but I coped with it somehow. At the time, I thought I liked my course, but now I’m not even sure if that was true or if I was just convincing myself.
Back in 2023, I received and met an offer to study biochemistry at a Russell Group university, but I rejected it to study pharmacy at my current uni. Since the second year started, I’ve been really regretting that decision. I keep wondering if I made the wrong choice and if I would’ve been happier if I’d gone with biochemistry.
Lately, I’ve been thinking about dropping out after this year and restarting a new degree, but I’m torn. Pharmacy will require two more years plus a foundation year, which feels like a really long time, especially since I’ve been miserable for months. The only thing keeping me going is the idea of possibly working in the pharmaceutical industry, but I’m questioning if it’s worth another 2–3 years of being this unhappy.
I’ve been feeling like this since August, and it’s honestly starting to scare me because I’ve never felt this low before. I’m really worried about my mental health and unsure of what to do. Would you guys recommend trying antidepressants? I’m hesitant about taking that step but feel like I’m out of options right now.
If anyone has been through something similar or has advice on whether I should stick with pharmacy, start over, or how to handle my mental health, I’d really appreciate it.
Thank you.
I’m really struggling right now and would appreciate any advice or perspectives.
I’m a second-year pharmacy student, and honestly, I feel so depressed because of my course, university, and just my overall situation. I didn’t have the best first year at uni, but I coped with it somehow. At the time, I thought I liked my course, but now I’m not even sure if that was true or if I was just convincing myself.
Back in 2023, I received and met an offer to study biochemistry at a Russell Group university, but I rejected it to study pharmacy at my current uni. Since the second year started, I’ve been really regretting that decision. I keep wondering if I made the wrong choice and if I would’ve been happier if I’d gone with biochemistry.
Lately, I’ve been thinking about dropping out after this year and restarting a new degree, but I’m torn. Pharmacy will require two more years plus a foundation year, which feels like a really long time, especially since I’ve been miserable for months. The only thing keeping me going is the idea of possibly working in the pharmaceutical industry, but I’m questioning if it’s worth another 2–3 years of being this unhappy.
I’ve been feeling like this since August, and it’s honestly starting to scare me because I’ve never felt this low before. I’m really worried about my mental health and unsure of what to do. Would you guys recommend trying antidepressants? I’m hesitant about taking that step but feel like I’m out of options right now.
If anyone has been through something similar or has advice on whether I should stick with pharmacy, start over, or how to handle my mental health, I’d really appreciate it.
Thank you.
Hey so sorry to read your message. Firstly Why do you not like it is it the course content ? The uni accomodation facilities location ? The people students lecturers ? Where are you in country north south?
Reply 2
Hello,
Firstly, I’m really sorry to hear that you’re unhappy with your course and disillusioned by uni, especially as it should be exciting and fun. But the important thing to remember is you’re not alone, there are loads of posts on TSR from students who, for various reasons, are having similar thoughts.
I’m guessing at the moment you’re on the Christmas break, so if I was you, I would use it to totally switch off from uni. Enjoy your time with your family and use it as a time to re set your thoughts. That way, when you go back you will have a clearer mind.
I think you need to consider what it is exactly you don’t like about your course. Is there a particular module or aspect of the course that you’re doing that you’re struggling with? Is it the uni itself? Or is it just the fact that you could be in a Russell Group uni and deep down you feel that you would prefer to be there because it’s a Russell? Would biochemistry really be more enjoyable to study than pharmacy with as many career options, and it would mean starting from the beginning again when you’re nearly half way through the course now.
Have you tried talking through your feelings with any other students on your course? Or your tutors? Sometimes they can give you some good advice about careers and options.
It’s important to have lots of time away from your course, to help give your mind a break, so if you’re not already, could you join any of the uni clubs or societies to make your experience better?
I hope you find a solution, and feel more positive about your course,
Jess
PhD English
University of Chester
Firstly, I’m really sorry to hear that you’re unhappy with your course and disillusioned by uni, especially as it should be exciting and fun. But the important thing to remember is you’re not alone, there are loads of posts on TSR from students who, for various reasons, are having similar thoughts.
I’m guessing at the moment you’re on the Christmas break, so if I was you, I would use it to totally switch off from uni. Enjoy your time with your family and use it as a time to re set your thoughts. That way, when you go back you will have a clearer mind.
I think you need to consider what it is exactly you don’t like about your course. Is there a particular module or aspect of the course that you’re doing that you’re struggling with? Is it the uni itself? Or is it just the fact that you could be in a Russell Group uni and deep down you feel that you would prefer to be there because it’s a Russell? Would biochemistry really be more enjoyable to study than pharmacy with as many career options, and it would mean starting from the beginning again when you’re nearly half way through the course now.
Have you tried talking through your feelings with any other students on your course? Or your tutors? Sometimes they can give you some good advice about careers and options.
It’s important to have lots of time away from your course, to help give your mind a break, so if you’re not already, could you join any of the uni clubs or societies to make your experience better?
I hope you find a solution, and feel more positive about your course,
Jess
PhD English
University of Chester
Reply 3
Original post
by AnonymousHi everyone,
I’m really struggling right now and would appreciate any advice or perspectives.
I’m a second-year pharmacy student, and honestly, I feel so depressed because of my course, university, and just my overall situation. I didn’t have the best first year at uni, but I coped with it somehow. At the time, I thought I liked my course, but now I’m not even sure if that was true or if I was just convincing myself.
Back in 2023, I received and met an offer to study biochemistry at a Russell Group university, but I rejected it to study pharmacy at my current uni. Since the second year started, I’ve been really regretting that decision. I keep wondering if I made the wrong choice and if I would’ve been happier if I’d gone with biochemistry.
Lately, I’ve been thinking about dropping out after this year and restarting a new degree, but I’m torn. Pharmacy will require two more years plus a foundation year, which feels like a really long time, especially since I’ve been miserable for months. The only thing keeping me going is the idea of possibly working in the pharmaceutical industry, but I’m questioning if it’s worth another 2–3 years of being this unhappy.
I’ve been feeling like this since August, and it’s honestly starting to scare me because I’ve never felt this low before. I’m really worried about my mental health and unsure of what to do. Would you guys recommend trying antidepressants? I’m hesitant about taking that step but feel like I’m out of options right now.
If anyone has been through something similar or has advice on whether I should stick with pharmacy, start over, or how to handle my mental health, I’d really appreciate it.
Thank you.
I’m really struggling right now and would appreciate any advice or perspectives.
I’m a second-year pharmacy student, and honestly, I feel so depressed because of my course, university, and just my overall situation. I didn’t have the best first year at uni, but I coped with it somehow. At the time, I thought I liked my course, but now I’m not even sure if that was true or if I was just convincing myself.
Back in 2023, I received and met an offer to study biochemistry at a Russell Group university, but I rejected it to study pharmacy at my current uni. Since the second year started, I’ve been really regretting that decision. I keep wondering if I made the wrong choice and if I would’ve been happier if I’d gone with biochemistry.
Lately, I’ve been thinking about dropping out after this year and restarting a new degree, but I’m torn. Pharmacy will require two more years plus a foundation year, which feels like a really long time, especially since I’ve been miserable for months. The only thing keeping me going is the idea of possibly working in the pharmaceutical industry, but I’m questioning if it’s worth another 2–3 years of being this unhappy.
I’ve been feeling like this since August, and it’s honestly starting to scare me because I’ve never felt this low before. I’m really worried about my mental health and unsure of what to do. Would you guys recommend trying antidepressants? I’m hesitant about taking that step but feel like I’m out of options right now.
If anyone has been through something similar or has advice on whether I should stick with pharmacy, start over, or how to handle my mental health, I’d really appreciate it.
Thank you.
Hi there,
First and foremost, regarding your mental health concerns - please don't try to handle this alone. I strongly encourage you to:
•
Book an appointment with your university's counseling services or wellbeing team
•
Speak with your GP about how you're feeling, including your thoughts about antidepressants - they're best positioned to advise on medical treatments
•
Reach out to your personal tutor or course leader to discuss your academic concerns
Regarding your course situation, it's important to know that having doubts is normal, especially in second year when the workload increases. Consider these steps:
•
Schedule a meeting with your programme leader to discuss your concerns about pharmacy and explore your options
•
Research if there are ways to incorporate your interest in biochemistry within your current pharmacy degree, particularly if you're interested in the pharmaceutical industry
•
Look into whether your university offers any flexibility to switch courses or take some biochemistry modules as electives
Remember that whatever you decide - whether to continue with pharmacy or start fresh - it's not a failure. The most important thing right now is to get support for your mental health before making any major decisions about your academic future.
Please don't hesitate to reach out to university support services - that's what we're here for. You don't have to figure this out alone.
Take care,
Ilya
Reply 4
Original post
by De Montfort UniversityHi there,
First and foremost, regarding your mental health concerns - please don't try to handle this alone. I strongly encourage you to:
Regarding your course situation, it's important to know that having doubts is normal, especially in second year when the workload increases. Consider these steps:
Remember that whatever you decide - whether to continue with pharmacy or start fresh - it's not a failure. The most important thing right now is to get support for your mental health before making any major decisions about your academic future.
Please don't hesitate to reach out to university support services - that's what we're here for. You don't have to figure this out alone.
Take care,
Ilya
First and foremost, regarding your mental health concerns - please don't try to handle this alone. I strongly encourage you to:
•
Book an appointment with your university's counseling services or wellbeing team
•
Speak with your GP about how you're feeling, including your thoughts about antidepressants - they're best positioned to advise on medical treatments
•
Reach out to your personal tutor or course leader to discuss your academic concerns
Regarding your course situation, it's important to know that having doubts is normal, especially in second year when the workload increases. Consider these steps:
•
Schedule a meeting with your programme leader to discuss your concerns about pharmacy and explore your options
•
Research if there are ways to incorporate your interest in biochemistry within your current pharmacy degree, particularly if you're interested in the pharmaceutical industry
•
Look into whether your university offers any flexibility to switch courses or take some biochemistry modules as electives
Remember that whatever you decide - whether to continue with pharmacy or start fresh - it's not a failure. The most important thing right now is to get support for your mental health before making any major decisions about your academic future.
Please don't hesitate to reach out to university support services - that's what we're here for. You don't have to figure this out alone.
Take care,
Ilya
Reply 5
Original post
by BfbbdbbdI think it’s the fact that I’m not at a RG uni which I know is very silly. Also my I’m doing a vocational course but the job might not be for me. So I feel like I’m beating myself up for not doing more research about the course and the uni before applying. My depression was triggered when someone I knew got into an RG uni in summer , I think knowing they were in a similar situation as me helped me cope with diary year tbh.
I'm big on people considering RG unis for many reasons, but pharmacy is an accredited degree and the quality should be similar everywhere. So you shouldn't be bothered by the rep of your uni. It might be useful to spend a bit of time next term in your uni careers service, looking at the variety of careers open to pharmacy grads. It may be that you can't see yourself working behind a counter at Boots, or in a hospital dispensary, but maybe (for certain!) there are other options and opportunities. That might give you something to aim for and re-engage you in the value of the course.
Reply 6
Original post
by AnonymousHi everyone,
I’m really struggling right now and would appreciate any advice or perspectives.
I’m a second-year pharmacy student, and honestly, I feel so depressed because of my course, university, and just my overall situation. I didn’t have the best first year at uni, but I coped with it somehow. At the time, I thought I liked my course, but now I’m not even sure if that was true or if I was just convincing myself.
Back in 2023, I received and met an offer to study biochemistry at a Russell Group university, but I rejected it to study pharmacy at my current uni. Since the second year started, I’ve been really regretting that decision. I keep wondering if I made the wrong choice and if I would’ve been happier if I’d gone with biochemistry.
Lately, I’ve been thinking about dropping out after this year and restarting a new degree, but I’m torn. Pharmacy will require two more years plus a foundation year, which feels like a really long time, especially since I’ve been miserable for months. The only thing keeping me going is the idea of possibly working in the pharmaceutical industry, but I’m questioning if it’s worth another 2–3 years of being this unhappy.
I’ve been feeling like this since August, and it’s honestly starting to scare me because I’ve never felt this low before. I’m really worried about my mental health and unsure of what to do. Would you guys recommend trying antidepressants? I’m hesitant about taking that step but feel like I’m out of options right now.
If anyone has been through something similar or has advice on whether I should stick with pharmacy, start over, or how to handle my mental health, I’d really appreciate it.
Thank you.
I’m really struggling right now and would appreciate any advice or perspectives.
I’m a second-year pharmacy student, and honestly, I feel so depressed because of my course, university, and just my overall situation. I didn’t have the best first year at uni, but I coped with it somehow. At the time, I thought I liked my course, but now I’m not even sure if that was true or if I was just convincing myself.
Back in 2023, I received and met an offer to study biochemistry at a Russell Group university, but I rejected it to study pharmacy at my current uni. Since the second year started, I’ve been really regretting that decision. I keep wondering if I made the wrong choice and if I would’ve been happier if I’d gone with biochemistry.
Lately, I’ve been thinking about dropping out after this year and restarting a new degree, but I’m torn. Pharmacy will require two more years plus a foundation year, which feels like a really long time, especially since I’ve been miserable for months. The only thing keeping me going is the idea of possibly working in the pharmaceutical industry, but I’m questioning if it’s worth another 2–3 years of being this unhappy.
I’ve been feeling like this since August, and it’s honestly starting to scare me because I’ve never felt this low before. I’m really worried about my mental health and unsure of what to do. Would you guys recommend trying antidepressants? I’m hesitant about taking that step but feel like I’m out of options right now.
If anyone has been through something similar or has advice on whether I should stick with pharmacy, start over, or how to handle my mental health, I’d really appreciate it.
Thank you.
Hi
Sorry to hear that you are feeling like this, I understand how it might feel If I were in that situation. I would try to remember that you are not alone in this, there are lots of other students who are experiencing similar feelings like this.
I would advise you to speak to your family and friends about how you are feeling and what your thoughts are in terms of continuing with university as they know you the best and will be able to provide you with the best support.
I would also suggest speaking to your personal tutor, as they will be able to support you with any concerns around the course.
I hope this helps & that you have a restful and relaxing time over the winter break.
Matt
Wrexham University Reps
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