Should I change majors

1

I'm a student in my first year severally depressed like can't get up from my bed for weeks living alone and due to my depression I was unable to study so l failed my second semester so l had to retake the year and starting over but even though I take medication Im still unable to study and I don't think this major is hard but I cant study. And Im thinking of changing my major but I don't like any other majors and Im in between changing or continuing my major with the risk of falling again and I really think If I change majors my life would be destroyed. I tried to talk to my parents they say its your decision and Im very lost, so I talked to my professors and they didn't help either. Im at state of mind that the solution is to throw myself so help. Don't mind my English its not my first language And yes I go to therapy and take med

Reply 1

USW Social Team

Official Rep

10

It seems to me that perhaps you're not in a place mentally to be able to focus on studies - and that's perfectly ok. Your wellbeing comes first. You've mentioned that you're in therapy and take medication, so you've already done the right thing in taking control of the situation and reaching out for the right support. Have you had a look for support groups online for students who are going through the same thing? Indeed, some might even reply to this thread. It's important for you to realise that you're not the only person with this problem and other students may have helpful advice for you.

Other things you can do:

1.

Look into alternative routes. Might you be happier in an apprenticeship type role which involves vocational hands-on learning and less pressure than academic study?

2.

Part-time and online courses - which give you more time and less pressure

3.

Taking a gap year - to reassess whether university is really for you and finding something else to do in the meantime. You can always go back to study if and when you're ready.

Do continue to talk about this with your family and consider why you're putting so much pressure on yourself to study a course which isn't feasible mentally at the moment.

Take care.

Samantha - USW Social Team

Reply 2

EdgeHillStudent2

Official Rep

3

Original post by Needhelpig

I'm a student in my first year severally depressed like can't get up from my bed for weeks living alone and due to my depression I was unable to study so l failed my second semester so l had to retake the year and starting over but even though I take medication Im still unable to study and I don't think this major is hard but I cant study. And Im thinking of changing my major but I don't like any other majors and Im in between changing or continuing my major with the risk of falling again and I really think If I change majors my life would be destroyed. I tried to talk to my parents they say its your decision and Im very lost, so I talked to my professors and they didn't help either. Im at state of mind that the solution is to throw myself so help. Don't mind my English its not my first language And yes I go to therapy and take med

Hi there!

My name is Charlie, I'm in my 2nd year of History at Edge Hill University; but before I did that, I did 1 ½ years of a Professional Policing degree. I did well in that degree, but I found I wasn't happy doing it, so I switched to the History degree I'm on now and it remains one of the best decisions I've made.

I think it's important to follow your heart on what you *want* to do, the only thing I'd say is to not switch based on your attainment, but rather your enjoyment of the subject. If you switched degree, would you likely see the same results? It's worth thinking about your future too; is your degree something you need to follow a particular career path?

Another option is to take a gap year off of your studies and look into working and earning some money in the time while you're figuring yourself out and perhaps continuing to seek professional help for your mental health.

Overall, your mental wellbeing and happiness comes before any academia, otherwise what would it be worth? So do what makes you happy.

I and others are always monitoring the forums if you have any further queries or concerns!

Charlie,
2nd year History student

Reply 3

black tea

19

how do you envisage changing majors helping?

Reply 4

PQ

PS Reviewer

21

Original post by Needhelpig

I'm a student in my first year severally depressed like can't get up from my bed for weeks living alone and due to my depression I was unable to study so l failed my second semester so l had to retake the year and starting over but even though I take medication Im still unable to study and I don't think this major is hard but I cant study. And Im thinking of changing my major but I don't like any other majors and Im in between changing or continuing my major with the risk of falling again and I really think If I change majors my life would be destroyed. I tried to talk to my parents they say its your decision and Im very lost, so I talked to my professors and they didn't help either. Im at state of mind that the solution is to throw myself so help. Don't mind my English its not my first language And yes I go to therapy and take med

If you’re too ill to study then you need to suspend your studies completely.
Don’t resit. Don’t change course.

Speak to your university about suspending your studies due to illness and find out your options. Then go home and concentrate on recovery. When you’re well enough to study again then come up with a plan to return to your studies.

If you’re on a visa then find out the implications for that too. It might be better for you to have your visa curtailed and apply for a new visa when you’re well again.

Should I change majors

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