The Student Room Group

How to explain absence from uni due to depression/anxiety?

I haven't been at uni since before Christmas.

Up until now I have simply said that I have been ill, but it is very complicated. I don't want to say too much, or sound like I'm making excuses or asking for attention, but I need her to understand, as I don't want her to think I can't be bothered or don't want to do the course. I haven't contacted her since Christmas.

The facts:

I have had trouble settling in at uni. I have experienced depression so severe that I had to come home. Here I have access to my coping strategies and my family. I also have social phobia, which doesn't help.

When I stay at the accomodation (6 miles from the uni) I end up staying in bed all week, not washing or dressing or anything. When I'm there I get increased negative and suicidal thoughts than I experience anyway.

Every time I get anxious, I experience sickness, light-headedness and acid reflux. These symptoms also come back when I feel stressed. I feel like this a lot.

I am experiencing all over body pain, constant tiredness, and am under the care of my GP, who is trying to find out what the problem is (possible fibromyalgia / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome)

I could get a doctors note but it isn't practical to get it for another few weeks, and I am hoping to go back to uni the coming week.

As far as the depression goes, my depression is much worse in winter, (possibly seasonal affective) which is why I have a better shot at trying to go back now.

I don't fit in at the accomodation, or my classes. I am very shy and have been unable to connect with anyone.

All these problems combined have meant that I have been unable to attend classes in person. I have kept up to date with my coursework, which I have been sending in, and am studying at home.

I have put a lot of details here so that I can get the best advice possible. If you need anymore details then just ask.

Any advice on how to write this email? I have been attempting it but it just isn't going right...I want to strike a balance and give enough of the right information...
Reply 1
Anyone?
Reply 2
Just explain you have depression and are currently seeing a doctor who you can have confirm your illness if the uni wants him to? :dontknow:
Reply 3
As soon as you say you are seeking medical assistance the uni can't legally ask you why, but they may need a doctors note just to confirm you are indeed seeing someone.
Simple as really.
Reply 4
University's are incredibly understanding in these sort of situations. They are not trying to catch you out, or make a judgement on you. But they will not be able to help you if you just don't turn up; you should really contact them, let them know the situation and let them help. Doubtless they will have dealt with people in similiar situations before and will help you come up with suitable solution to help you continue your studies
Like you i've had severe difficulties with starting university. I'm currently on Leave of Absence because of my depression; i just can't work. I have no motivation, very little energy and my mind is constantly surrounded by a thick black fog, that stops me from thinking straight or even doing the simplest things.
I haven't really made any friends at uni either. I know what it's like to not have anyone close to you to run to when you're feeling desperately low. Because of that i kept going back home to my parents, because it's the only place i know. It's the place i feel safest. I felt exposed and out of place in my halls of residence - i never went out, didn't talk to anyone much, didn't join in with parties and didn't really get on with anyone there, so i decided to leave. People don't understand how traumatic it is to be thrust in an unfamiliar and uncomfortable social situation that fills you with fear and panic. It really is awful, when all you desperately want is to fit in.
In terms of notifying my tutors of my problems, i just emailed them saying that i have a number of personal issues and would like to talk to someone about it. I feel that actually having a physical conversation is much better than emailing them about your problems. Even if you're a nervous wreck and in floods of tears when you talk to them, at least they can see that you're in no fit state to be coming to university in person. They will understand. My tutors were very supportive. It's best to be honest with them, there's always the danger than if you aren't they could just think you're slacking. If you're struggling, don't be afraid to ask for help. That's what they are there for.
If need be you could ask for leave of absense. I have leave until the end of the university year, which means i'll have to restart my first year all over again, which i feel comfortable with. It's what i need. If you need time out, and time to get away from all the stresses, you'll be able to get it :smile:
I hope it all turns out okay for you.
im nt good in social positions but u jst nd to get totally drunk, solves my problems
Hi sir i have anxiety problem.. In this case how to handle the anxiety.. Pls help me
Original post by StJimmy
I haven't been at uni since before Christmas.

Up until now I have simply said that I have been ill, but it is very complicated. I don't want to say too much, or sound like I'm making excuses or asking for attention, but I need her to understand, as I don't want her to think I can't be bothered or don't want to do the course. I haven't contacted her since Christmas.

The facts:

I have had trouble settling in at uni. I have experienced depression so severe that I had to come home. Here I have access to my coping strategies and my family. I also have social phobia, which doesn't help.

When I stay at the accomodation (6 miles from the uni) I end up staying in bed all week, not washing or dressing or anything. When I'm there I get increased negative and suicidal thoughts than I experience anyway.

Every time I get anxious, I experience sickness, light-headedness and acid reflux. These symptoms also come back when I feel stressed. I feel like this a lot.

I am experiencing all over body pain, constant tiredness, and am under the care of my GP, who is trying to find out what the problem is (possible fibromyalgia / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome)

I could get a doctors note but it isn't practical to get it for another few weeks, and I am hoping to go back to uni the coming week.

As far as the depression goes, my depression is much worse in winter, (possibly seasonal affective) which is why I have a better shot at trying to go back now.

I don't fit in at the accomodation, or my classes. I am very shy and have been unable to connect with anyone.

All these problems combined have meant that I have been unable to attend classes in person. I have kept up to date with my coursework, which I have been sending in, and am studying at home.

I have put a lot of details here so that I can get the best advice possible. If you need anymore details then just ask.

Any advice on how to write this email? I have been attempting it but it just isn't going right...I want to strike a balance and give enough of the right information...


I know this is years ago, but hope you're well? I am currently going through Uni and EVERYTHING you stated is exactly what I'm going through... trying to make it work, but I just end up not going. Which makes me more depressed.