The Student Room Group

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(edited 1 week ago)

Reply 1

Original post by usernihilnomen
I'm an international student currently taking A levels.
I have also been diagnosed with depression (most likely ADHD and ASD alongside it) that has gotten quite severe, and is significantly impacting my grades. I used to be able to handle it and achieve A*AA9999877 at GCSEs, but now am barely achieving BCC in Biology, Chemistry and Maths respectively. Due to the depression I have also had to drop Physics and probably the EPQ soon. I am currently unable to obtain a doctors note and inform my school due to my family.
I have no access to medication, and am being threatened with being taken out of school and or sent to my home country (not the country I am at currently) where taking A levels will almost be impossible if I keep pursuing this matter publically (ie. school, asking for medication). Worst case scenario I get pulled out of school to be sent to a psychiatric ward. To be clear, I am not in an abusive household, just one oblivious and ignorant of mental health. I have siblings that rely on my parent, and would like to keep this out of legal issues.
The backup plan I am using right now is to go for something less competitive, probably Biomed, and leave my country ASAP to get independent and go for graduate medicine. (Probably in the UK) Problem is Graduate medicine is significantly more competitive from what I have read. I also don't have a clear understanding of visas, student loans because I can't turn to anyone irl without exposing everything else.
I've done some thinking and the plan that I have written out above is probably my safest option, however I am extremely worried about post-grad. I've read so many accounts that people who went into biomed because of a missed offer at undergrad med do not end up in the field. I understand I am thinking very far ahead but for my sanity and to latch onto some kind of hope to keep me going and hopefully improve my current grades I really need reassurance.

Hello!

I’m really sorry about your current situation, you’re clearly in a tough spot. Your doing pretty well grade wise considering your mental health struggles (BBC are still decent grades after all).

I won’t be super helpful on the student visa front, but here’s the official government website for it in case you haven’t already seen it: https://www.gov.uk/student-visa
Also some other sites:
https://study-uk.britishcouncil.org/moving-uk/student-visas
https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/student-visas

Also, if you’re struggling within school with exams and homework requirements, it would be good to request for provisions (extra time, rest breaks, etc.) if they offer them (unless they need the doctors note for that as well.


Sorry I can’t be more helpful, but hopefully other people more equipped than me will be able to help.

Best of luck <3

Reply 2

Original post by usernihilnomen
I'm an international student currently taking A levels.
I have also been diagnosed with depression (most likely ADHD and ASD alongside it) that has gotten quite severe, and is significantly impacting my grades. I used to be able to handle it and achieve A*AA9999877 at GCSEs, but now am barely achieving BCC in Biology, Chemistry and Maths respectively. Due to the depression I have also had to drop Physics and probably the EPQ soon. I am currently unable to obtain a doctors note and inform my school due to my family.
I have no access to medication, and am being threatened with being taken out of school and or sent to my home country (not the country I am at currently) where taking A levels will almost be impossible if I keep pursuing this matter publically (ie. school, asking for medication). Worst case scenario I get pulled out of school to be sent to a psychiatric ward. To be clear, I am not in an abusive household, just one oblivious and ignorant of mental health. I have siblings that rely on my parent, and would like to keep this out of legal issues.
The backup plan I am using right now is to go for something less competitive, probably Biomed, and leave my country ASAP to get independent and go for graduate medicine. (Probably in the UK) Problem is Graduate medicine is significantly more competitive from what I have read. I also don't have a clear understanding of visas, student loans because I can't turn to anyone irl without exposing everything else.
I've done some thinking and the plan that I have written out above is probably my safest option, however I am extremely worried about post-grad. I've read so many accounts that people who went into biomed because of a missed offer at undergrad med do not end up in the field. I understand I am thinking very far ahead but for my sanity and to latch onto some kind of hope to keep me going and hopefully improve my current grades I really need reassurance.


Hey,

I’ve been in a similar situation with my family. They aren’t very understanding of mental health and honestly it got to a point where I was considering leaving home and attempting to pursue Medicine abroad and start a new life. I’m gonna be straight up with you and say if staying at home is really bad, definitely put moving abroad at the top of your list. With your grades, I’m sure there are some universities that can accommodate you due to your extenuating circumstances. Have you looked at Medicine with a foundation year?

Reply 3

I haven't done much research in terms of familial estrangement in my specific circumstances. Quite frankly I'm slightly irritated that I keep running into the issue of not having the struggles to quality for help but still struggling enough that I desperately need help to keep going. I'm planning to speak with one of the services that offer consultations for medicine applications.

I have spoken to a teacher just in general about foundation year courses, but I just don't think I can qualify. In order to get proof I will need to notify my school, or ask for documents, all of which will alert my parents who will take me out of school in the worst case scenario. Again, my knowledge is limited and I am planning to speak with the consultation services to get a better understanding. Thank you for your input, I do believe I will prioritise getting away.

Reply 4

Original post by staristrying
Hello!
I’m really sorry about your current situation, you’re clearly in a tough spot. Your doing pretty well grade wise considering your mental health struggles (BBC are still decent grades after all).
I won’t be super helpful on the student visa front, but here’s the official government website for it in case you haven’t already seen it: https://www.gov.uk/student-visa
Also some other sites:
https://study-uk.britishcouncil.org/moving-uk/student-visas
https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/student-visas
Also, if you’re struggling within school with exams and homework requirements, it would be good to request for provisions (extra time, rest breaks, etc.) if they offer them (unless they need the doctors note for that as well.
Sorry I can’t be more helpful, but hopefully other people more equipped than me will be able to help.
Best of luck <3

Thank you so much for the resources you provided and the reassurance :smile:
I'll be sure to check those out!

Reply 5

You're going through a lot, and it’s clear you’re doing your best despite everything. What can help is getting small wins—like finding online support and trusted resources. If you're exploring safe options, I personally found Canadian Pharmacy Partner helpful. Your plan for Biomed then Grad Medicine is a smart long game, especially if it gives you the freedom you need. Many have made that path work—especially with focus and planning. You’re not alone, even if it feels that way. Keep moving forward.
(edited 2 weeks ago)

Reply 6

Original post by usernihilnomen
I'm an international student currently taking A levels.
I have also been diagnosed with depression (most likely ADHD and ASD alongside it) that has gotten quite severe, and is significantly impacting my grades. I used to be able to handle it and achieve A*AA9999877 at GCSEs, but now am barely achieving BCC in Biology, Chemistry and Maths respectively. Due to the depression I have also had to drop Physics and probably the EPQ soon. I am currently unable to obtain a doctors note and inform my school due to my family.
I have no access to medication, and am being threatened with being taken out of school and or sent to my home country (not the country I am at currently) where taking A levels will almost be impossible if I keep pursuing this matter publically (ie. school, asking for medication). Worst case scenario I get pulled out of school to be sent to a psychiatric ward. To be clear, I am not in an abusive household, just one oblivious and ignorant of mental health. I have siblings that rely on my parent, and would like to keep this out of legal issues.
The backup plan I am using right now is to go for something less competitive, probably Biomed, and leave my country ASAP to get independent and go for graduate medicine. (Probably in the UK) Problem is Graduate medicine is significantly more competitive from what I have read. I also don't have a clear understanding of visas, student loans because I can't turn to anyone irl without exposing everything else.
I've done some thinking and the plan that I have written out above is probably my safest option, however I am extremely worried about post-grad. I've read so many accounts that people who went into biomed because of a missed offer at undergrad med do not end up in the field. I understand I am thinking very far ahead but for my sanity and to latch onto some kind of hope to keep me going and hopefully improve my current grades I really need reassurance.

Sadly you are going to have to get better from the depression before you decide on the university or the course. The stress of university is not going to help the depression and if the depression is affecting your A levels it will make a university course almost impossible. I get severe depression so I know what it is like

Worrying about A level results will not be helping the depression. Your health is much more important than any exams results or university courses.

Reply 7

Original post by usernihilnomen
I turn 18 next year in the latter half of August (a month-ish before most uni courses start) I can't do anything or seek help without parental consent until I turn 18. A gap year isn't in the question at all and this is the only way.
Is there any other way?

I just looked this up. In the UK you can book a doctors appointment without parent's consent depending on your age. It says that people of 16 or 17 can book a doctors appointment without parental consent and 16 and 17 year olds are treated as adult in terms of confidentiality and consent. I don't know if this helps. Also your GP is the first person you need to see about any mental illness issues.

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