<p>My Question: I am enrolled in a university in California, that I liked for the most part, but am on a leave of absence for depression and anxiety. My mom wants me to transfer to a school closer to home but I would like to go back to the school in California. (I am from Illinois). Do you have any advice as to whether I should stay in Illinois or return to school in California?</p>
<p>More information:</p>
<p>I am a junior in college and suffer from depression (and a bit of anxiety). I have been on a leave of absence this past semester and will be taking another next semester. I am currently attending psychotherapy sessions twice a week and am on an anti-depressant. I plan on taking a class or two at a local school this semester and maybe working. My mood is better but I still deal with anxiety. I am not suicidal but I wish that I would not have to live anymore. I have accepted the fact that I do keep waking up and feel that I should continue on with my life. I don't entirely feel okay yet but I have learned how to work on managing the depression and anxiety. If I do go back to the school in California, I would like to go this summer and continue on in the fall.</p>
<p>I would really encourage you to keep attending your psychotherapy sessions, make sure your getting the help you need even when you feel that your mood is better....this is a question i would discuss with your psych who has training and more knowledge of your situation than we do</p>
<p>that being said</p>
<p>i would advise you to do whatever is best for your mental health. have you been happier or less depressed at college or at home? if you have been happier at college, perhaps you could go back but make sure you are still talking regularly with a therapist</p>
<p>best of luck</p>
<p>I sincerely feel for you...</p>
<p>Sincerely ask yourself; what do I want? Then ask your self; how bad do I want it?</p>
<p>it's easy sailing from there...so to speak</p>
<p>So I say that you should do what you want...</p>
<p>Weigh the benefits of staying and the benefits for leaving. One answer will eventually be gleaming as a path to follow.</p>
<p>I wish to hope that you don't kill yourself ever by the way. If you ever feel like just venting or something to some random "non-judgemental" guy...I'd be willing to listen.</p>
<p>I used to be in a similar situation and no one was there to listen....just offering an outlet if you ever so choose.</p>
<p>Good luck with life</p>
<p>I agree with dufflebag. you should do what's best for your health you say your mood is getting better so I would just stay where you are.</p>
<p>I used to suffer from anxiety and depression and attending college was nearly impossible when I was in that state of mind. It was after I left college that I came to a very stable place in my life with no real depression and only slight twinges of anxiety. When I reentered college the second time (there were many YEARS in between, including marriage and children) it was a world of difference. I have no regrets for taking an alternative path than college into career, though I can say that I did miss college very much throughout the long gap.</p>
<p>I know it can feel like one must rush to get back to school, especially as semesters roll by and peers graduate and move on... but you're better off taking 1, 2, 4 or even more years to get to a stable place in your life and THEN go back to college than to crash-and-burn multiple times by jumping back in too early. Taking a few classes from your stable surroundings right now sounds like a good plan. Consider graduating from one of your local colleges - that route might be more feasible and reasonable than you know. You can always go to California for graduate school.</p>
<p>Believe it or not, it is entirely possible to live without the depression and anxiety. I hope you can get to that place as well!</p>
<p>Annika</p>