<p>OP: I’ve worked with extremely bright nationally and internationally known scientists, including a couple Nobel Laureates (I assure you I’m right-brained and math-deficient) and I find that those who are very gifted often “don’t fit” or have something about them that’s atypical but their intellectual gifts are awesome and highly prized. Revel in your atypical-ness. The world needs you, OP. </p>
<p>I do know about dysfunctional families. My mom attempted suicide and my dad was verbally and emotionally abusive. You will find your tribe and they will be lucky to have found you.</p>
<p>Please follow the advice of others and first take care of yourself emotionally and physically. These issues limit your perspective as to what strategy will get you where you want to be. Contact your dean or advisor and explain your situation at home and at college with the aim of negotiating a medical leave of absence. He or she may have an idea that you’ve not thought of but I can assure you they want to keep bright talented full scholarship kids even if that means taking a year to get well. </p>
<p>And as an aside, you have insight (unfortunately) to dysfunctional family life, depression, and physical issues that others cannot begin to understand or imagine the impact. What if you put that insight to use through a psychology degree or counseling career. And as I said before, the world needs you, OP.</p>