Gap year for mental health
I am a Scottish student who is in sixth year and trying to navigate whether they should take a gap year. For context, I have 4 unconditionals for ir and politics at Glasgow and Edinburgh uni (still waiting for St Andrews) and I am sitting 2 AHs and 2 crash Highers, however, my mental health significantly declined in September when we got back from school- I got diagnosed with anxiety, DPDR and panic disorder. I’m also currently being assessed for PMDD. This has made attending school extremely challenging and has made school overall much more difficult and less enjoyable than I would usually find it. My motivation has pretty much plummeted and I feel as though I’ve fallen into a pit of hopelessness and to be honest I just have a general feeling of apathy and carelessness towards education and friendships(something which is very out of the ordinary for me). I’m still unsure what uni I would like to attend, initially I was thinking of moving away to St Andrews (if I get in) of Edinburgh, however with the state of my mental health I feel like going to Glasgow would be better for me at the moment as pretty much everyone I know is going to uni in Glasgow. However, I feel slightly conflicted and upset by this, as I know that if I was in a better mental state I would have been more confident and likely to be more successful at going to a uni away from home.
Back to my point about a gap year, firstly, I think that it would allow me to have a break from the burnout which I’m experiencing and allow me to get into a better headspace and improve my MH, also I would be able to save up money- which would be good esp if I would like to move away. However, I’m scared that I would lose my ways of studying and I feel like I would get FOMO or lazy, considering if I took a gap year it would be quite a long time till I start uni. What would you do or advice would you give?
Back to my point about a gap year, firstly, I think that it would allow me to have a break from the burnout which I’m experiencing and allow me to get into a better headspace and improve my MH, also I would be able to save up money- which would be good esp if I would like to move away. However, I’m scared that I would lose my ways of studying and I feel like I would get FOMO or lazy, considering if I took a gap year it would be quite a long time till I start uni. What would you do or advice would you give?
Reply 1
Considering the fact you are going through so much, I think the laziness is worth it instead of trying to continue studying for university work and risk burning yourself out instantly. At university, you are still under a lot of stress even if it is less exam-based like advanced highers are. Taking a gap year would be beneficial as you could try so much other stuff that you didn’t have time for because of school. It is definitely better than entering university already with the thought that “I have this state of mental health, I may be disadvantaged.”
I think in general, make sure you are properly rested before starting university as it can be a big jump at times. Taking a gap year should help relieve some of that stress as well as you being able to get back into the studying rhythm with months to spare. You still have time to think about which university! Because I personally don’t wanna try laying out the pros and cons of each university (because I don’t know you), that decision should be left with you and the people who know you well.
I think in general, make sure you are properly rested before starting university as it can be a big jump at times. Taking a gap year should help relieve some of that stress as well as you being able to get back into the studying rhythm with months to spare. You still have time to think about which university! Because I personally don’t wanna try laying out the pros and cons of each university (because I don’t know you), that decision should be left with you and the people who know you well.
Reply 2
Taking a gap year isn't a bad idea. You need to put your mental health first.
There is a lot of support out there such as:
-The Samaritans, you can call 116 123, which is available 24 hours a day
-Mind, 0300 123 3393
-Saneline, 0300 304 7000, from 4.30pm-10.30pm
-The mix, 0800 808 4994, 11am-11pm
-SHOUT, text 852258, 24 hour text service
-Crises, 741741, text service
-Papyrus, 0800 068 4141, if you have thoughts of suicide or in emotional distress
-Rethink mental health, 0300 5000 927
-No Panic, 0800 138 8889
-Relate, they have a chat advisor
-NHS mental health, 111
-Side by side: https://sidebyside.mind.org.uk/ (online community help)
-Kooth, www.kooth.com, a chat, message website
-7cups, www.7cups.com, 24/7 online chat
-Support line, 01708 765200, email: [email protected]
-Anxiety UK, 03444 775 774, 9:30am to 17:30pm Mon to Friday, a text service 07537 416905
-Young minds, www.youngminds.org.uk
-Calm, calm.com
-Mental Health 24/7: 0800 008 6516
-Young minds, text "YM" to 85258, for free, 24/7 support
-hubofhope website, useful contact information for your local area.
-Nightline, usually run by your university
You can self refer yourself to talking therapies on the NHS website.
Young minds website has a variety of information for mental health, from anxiety, depression, panic attacks, stress to loneliness etc.
Heads above the waves website has great information, advice and resources regarding a variety of mental health issues.
Calm app
Headspace app
There is the mind forum
Also Facebook groups
You can join support groups
There must be sanctuary hubs based on your local area
You can contact a crises team if things get very bad
Plenty of resources online, infor mation regarding well being.
Natural methods such as taking a walk, talking to a friend, exercising, engaging in a hobby
There is a lot of support out there such as:
-The Samaritans, you can call 116 123, which is available 24 hours a day
-Mind, 0300 123 3393
-Saneline, 0300 304 7000, from 4.30pm-10.30pm
-The mix, 0800 808 4994, 11am-11pm
-SHOUT, text 852258, 24 hour text service
-Crises, 741741, text service
-Papyrus, 0800 068 4141, if you have thoughts of suicide or in emotional distress
-Rethink mental health, 0300 5000 927
-No Panic, 0800 138 8889
-Relate, they have a chat advisor
-NHS mental health, 111
-Side by side: https://sidebyside.mind.org.uk/ (online community help)
-Kooth, www.kooth.com, a chat, message website
-7cups, www.7cups.com, 24/7 online chat
-Support line, 01708 765200, email: [email protected]
-Anxiety UK, 03444 775 774, 9:30am to 17:30pm Mon to Friday, a text service 07537 416905
-Young minds, www.youngminds.org.uk
-Calm, calm.com
-Mental Health 24/7: 0800 008 6516
-Young minds, text "YM" to 85258, for free, 24/7 support
-hubofhope website, useful contact information for your local area.
-Nightline, usually run by your university
You can self refer yourself to talking therapies on the NHS website.
Young minds website has a variety of information for mental health, from anxiety, depression, panic attacks, stress to loneliness etc.
Heads above the waves website has great information, advice and resources regarding a variety of mental health issues.
Calm app
Headspace app
There is the mind forum
Also Facebook groups
You can join support groups
There must be sanctuary hubs based on your local area
You can contact a crises team if things get very bad
Plenty of resources online, infor mation regarding well being.
Natural methods such as taking a walk, talking to a friend, exercising, engaging in a hobby
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