How to I know if I resit is right for me
I’m thinking of dropping out and potentially going back to do a levels next year but I don’t know if my situation is justifiable enough.
Is dropping out and the consequences worth it, giving up a year of my life worth it for my mental health and to get a better idea on my future?
I’m thinking of dropping out and potentially going back to do a levels next year but I don’t know if my situation is justifiable enough.
Is dropping out and the consequences worth it, giving up a year of my life worth it for my mental health and to get a better idea on my future?
Hello there,
I'm really sorry to hear that you're going through such a difficult time right now. A-levels can be really demanding, both time and energy-wise. I'm sure you can already feel that at this point, even just a few months in. It's difficult to give advice since I don't know the details but I can throw out some ideas that might be useful for you?
Whilst I can't list them all, there are a lot of things you could do or think about doing during A-levels:
•
Reach out to your school for mental health support or signposting
•
Talk to your GP or a local talking-therapy service
•
Talk to your school about maybe coming in for fewer days in a week or leaving classes early
•
Consider whether the subjects or activities you're doing currently are suitable for you. Do you enjoy them?
•
What is it about A-levels, school or your current situation is affecting you the most? Is there a way for you to manage it?
•
Would homeschooling be better for you?
On the other hand, taking a year out might give you time to...
•
Think about whether A-levels are what you really want to do? You could do T-levels, college or an apprenticeship
•
Work and save money so you have more financial stability when you go to uni or during A-levels
•
Consider different professions
•
Work on finding what would be good for your mental health: talking therapies, CBT, counselling, medication
•
Reach out for support
At the end of the day, the only one who can make the decision or weigh the value of sticking it out or taking time off is yourself. However, the most important thing to remember is that the decision you make for yourself and wellbeing one that can't really go wrong. There isn't a right or wrong answer. As someone who really struggled with their mental health during their A-levels, I remember wishing I'd taken a year out and taken a break when I was already in the thick of it and facing the consequences. But looking back now, I'm very much content and happy with my life at the moment. To the point that I feel that all of the difficulties and struggles taught me how to reach out and ask for help and develop my character and resilience.
It's easy to say this as someone who's feels like they're out of the woods, but while there is little we can do to change our situations, there are always lots of different options and avenues to take. So please don't lose hope! And please don't feel like you're "giving up" a year of your life. You're not on anyone else's timeline but your own. I spent 3 years figuring out a degree wasn't for me. I felt like I'd wasted three years. But now, doing a course I love, I realise those three years taught me so much and gave me a solid foundation for what I'm doing now!
Your time away could give you time to recover, build new skills, learn how to study effectively, give you time to focus on your mental heath and reach out to others. You could work during this year and save money or try options other than a-levels. The options are endless.
I hope this helps to show you that your life is full of options, and you're just at the start of the book.
Whatever you choose, I hope you're able to make the most of your situation, and remember that time spent doing what you feel is best isn't time wasted. It's time to explore, develop, learn, reflect, rest. You got this!
I wish you all the best,
Erika
Student Ambassador
Quick Reply
Last reply 7 months ago
My mental health has gotten worse due to my sisterLast reply 7 months ago
My experience with DSA as a London Met student (living with a long-term condition)Last reply 9 months ago
Is it possible to join the police force with EpilepsyArticles for you
How The Student Room is moderated
To keep The Student Room safe for everyone, we moderate posts that are added to the site.
