Dropping out of year 13 due to mental health?
Hi everyone,
I'm in year 13 doing 3 a levels and an epq. I am naturally academic and predicted A*A*A*A*. However, unfortunately I'm currently experiencing the worst mental health crisis I have ever had. My depression (diagnosed) has really plummeted despite medication and I can barely function (I can't get out of bed, leave the house, eat, etc) and I'm in a very tough point in my life despite an amazing support system and school. I have been struggling to even get to school and the amount of anxiety and difficulty I have when I'm there is indescribable. So I want to know what people have done in similar situations to me or what to do? Mental health problems are so common nowadays and I know I'm not the only one suffering so any advice would be helpful. I'm considering potentially dropping out and restarting year 13 in September or maybe an apprenticeship. I don't know I'm smart and do want to go to uni but I really need to prioritise my mental and physical health. My parents aren’t especially keen on the idea of me dropping out though but they support me. Any help is appreciated
Thanks so much.
I'm in year 13 doing 3 a levels and an epq. I am naturally academic and predicted A*A*A*A*. However, unfortunately I'm currently experiencing the worst mental health crisis I have ever had. My depression (diagnosed) has really plummeted despite medication and I can barely function (I can't get out of bed, leave the house, eat, etc) and I'm in a very tough point in my life despite an amazing support system and school. I have been struggling to even get to school and the amount of anxiety and difficulty I have when I'm there is indescribable. So I want to know what people have done in similar situations to me or what to do? Mental health problems are so common nowadays and I know I'm not the only one suffering so any advice would be helpful. I'm considering potentially dropping out and restarting year 13 in September or maybe an apprenticeship. I don't know I'm smart and do want to go to uni but I really need to prioritise my mental and physical health. My parents aren’t especially keen on the idea of me dropping out though but they support me. Any help is appreciated
Thanks so much.
Reply 1
I mean, you can always start Year 13 next September if you think your mental health might negatively impact your A-levels. I think it would be better to get grades that reflect your true abilities later and get into the university you really want, rather than end up with grades or a uni choice affected by your mental health.
I’m just not sure how this would impact your courses or predicted grades. Is your school okay with you taking a break and coming back later to finish the courses? If so, then I don’t see why not. You could use the year to recover but also to learn for fun.
I’d also say don’t make any rash decisions. Sometimes when I’m really struggling with my anxiety, I feel like throwing everything away lol, but afterwards I’m really glad I didn’t do certain things out of sadness or stress.
Do whatever you think is best, but definitely discuss it with your sixth form/college.
I’m just not sure how this would impact your courses or predicted grades. Is your school okay with you taking a break and coming back later to finish the courses? If so, then I don’t see why not. You could use the year to recover but also to learn for fun.
I’d also say don’t make any rash decisions. Sometimes when I’m really struggling with my anxiety, I feel like throwing everything away lol, but afterwards I’m really glad I didn’t do certain things out of sadness or stress.
Do whatever you think is best, but definitely discuss it with your sixth form/college.
(edited 2 months ago)
Reply 2
I would prioritize your mental health and physical health. You life will be so long, it will be good invested time. 🙂 But have a plan for the time. 
Reply 3
Original post
by AnonymousHi everyone,
I'm in year 13 doing 3 a levels and an epq. I am naturally academic and predicted A*A*A*A*. However, unfortunately I'm currently experiencing the worst mental health crisis I have ever had. My depression (diagnosed) has really plummeted despite medication and I can barely function (I can't get out of bed, leave the house, eat, etc) and I'm in a very tough point in my life despite an amazing support system and school. I have been struggling to even get to school and the amount of anxiety and difficulty I have when I'm there is indescribable. So I want to know what people have done in similar situations to me or what to do? Mental health problems are so common nowadays and I know I'm not the only one suffering so any advice would be helpful. I'm considering potentially dropping out and restarting year 13 in September or maybe an apprenticeship. I don't know I'm smart and do want to go to uni but I really need to prioritise my mental and physical health. My parents aren’t especially keen on the idea of me dropping out though but they support me. Any help is appreciated
Thanks so much.
I'm in year 13 doing 3 a levels and an epq. I am naturally academic and predicted A*A*A*A*. However, unfortunately I'm currently experiencing the worst mental health crisis I have ever had. My depression (diagnosed) has really plummeted despite medication and I can barely function (I can't get out of bed, leave the house, eat, etc) and I'm in a very tough point in my life despite an amazing support system and school. I have been struggling to even get to school and the amount of anxiety and difficulty I have when I'm there is indescribable. So I want to know what people have done in similar situations to me or what to do? Mental health problems are so common nowadays and I know I'm not the only one suffering so any advice would be helpful. I'm considering potentially dropping out and restarting year 13 in September or maybe an apprenticeship. I don't know I'm smart and do want to go to uni but I really need to prioritise my mental and physical health. My parents aren’t especially keen on the idea of me dropping out though but they support me. Any help is appreciated
Thanks so much.
if you're looking to do an apprentaship, then it's worth restarting because they don't mind having complete alevles within 3 year period however if you're looking to apply to a competitive courses at big unis then they may object to not having completed alevels in 2 years. However, you can present your mental health as extenuating circumstances and ucas also has a question which asks if you've experienced mental health issues, especially since your depression is diagnosed so you can ask your GP for a letter to give it to the unis and they will consider your application more than normal applicants. obviously make an educated and wise decision but if i were you i would retake the year. I experienced a lot of stress and anxiety in year 13 but couldn't retake because my parents don't believe in mental health illnesses and ultimately it did affect my results. I was capable of getting all A* but didn't. nonetheless, I still did good but not to my full potential. Just know that you're not alone and right now your education should be the least of your worries. focus on your wellbeing and do what your heart sees to be suitable and not your parents.
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