At a Loss.

College Confidential Community
1

<p>I am currently in a very odd place. </p>

<p>I am only in my second semester of college, and yet I feel that it's getting to be too much.</p>

<p>Starting the second week of school (back from winter break), I already felt that I was drowning in homework. I felt as if I had no way out of it. When I attempted to do homework, I could not concentrate at all. It was not due to Facebook or texts, I just COULD NOT concentrate. My mind was/is working at an unnecessarily-high speed. I just can't control it. This, of course, caused me an incredible amount of stress. This stress led to a sense of hopelessness, which caused me to quit even trying to do my work. I have stopped going to classes since the middle of the second week of school, and I just continue to feel incredibly amounts of guilt and fear. I feel that whatever is going on in my mind has taken hold, and it is not easing its grip. </p>

<p>Some background: I have had depressive episodes in the past which have made day-to-day life seem impossible (and it definitely seems to be some sort of episode right now). I have had (academic) difficulties like this before, but this is the first time that I can't seem to shake it off. Most concerning is that whatever is going on has started to take a physical toll. My body has started to have aches, I have had three colds within the last two months (I RARELY get sick, ever) and I have had my period twice in one month. </p>

<p>Currently, I don't know whether to stay in school or take a medical withdrawal.</p>

<p>I have been seeing a therapist for about a month and a half, but school caused me to slip up on my progress. My parents are incredibly upset that their only child is even considering "quitting" college, but at the same time, all I do right now is sit in my dorm and cry/worry. </p>

<p>So, my main question is, would a withdrawal actually help? If not, how on earth do I get caught up with nearly two-weeks worth of work in just a few days? </p>

<p>I just want to make my parents (and myself) happy. And right now, the three of us are very far from that.</p>

<p>Thanks.</p>

<p>JDP</p>

2

<p>The transition from living at home to living in a dorm somewhere vastly different from what you are used to can be incredibly stressful. When I first transitioned to college I became incredibly stressed and depressed. I would suggest that you check to see if there are any counseling available on campus. Regarding your missed classes, I would say talk to the branch of the school that is in charge of student affairs and explain your problem. They can either help you formulate a schedule to help you catch up with your work or direct you to the office that can help you. You should also email all your professors and keep them in the loop. Many professors are very understanding of a student’s situation and will work with you to help you catch up. There is no way you can catch up on all the work in a few days. The grades you should aim for this semester would be passing or a B at the best. This can drastically decrease the amount of stress. If needed, consider dropping some classes to a easier workload. If the problem continues, I suggest transferring to a school closer to home where you can commute. Good luck.</p>

3

<p>That is all good advice. You are not the only one who’s feeling like this, I promise you, and the professionals at your school know how to help. Definitely visit the campus counselling center or get back in touch with your therapist. My daughter, a sophomore and very independent, was also overwhelmed after winter break. I think those first two weeks back you just get bombarded with so much - books and materials to get, professors adding on to the list of things you need, all kinds of changes and adjustments, and most classes seem to jump right into a lot of work. Try breaking your work into smaller pieces, and the accomplishment may help you get motivated to do the next thing. And keep talking to your parents - they want to know how you are! Your well-being is far more important to them than anything else! It may seem like they are upset that you might “quit,” but really they are worried about what’s going on that would make you feel that way. Talk it through with them. Whether you drop a class, take time off, or even change schools, will not matter in the long run, and is far less important than your physical and mental health. <<hugs>></hugs></p>

4

<p>I would immediately drag myself to academic services or whatever your college has, and be upfront about what is happening. I would also go to the health center immediately. Sounds like it is not too late to save this semester, but it will be very soon. Wishing you all the best. And… if you do withdraw, and lose a semester, it’s not the end of the world, your chances, etc… These things happen fairly often to young people, and you can try something else, or try again later.</p>

5

<p>It’s been a couple of weeks. How are you doing?</p>