<p>Right now I'm a freshman at a liberal arts university (Susquehanna University). I've had depression for several years and lately my medicine has not been working. My doctor is trying to switch me in to something new, so on top of the depression the side effects are awful. I'm having trouble getting to go to my classes. If I could I would switch to online courses for the semester until everything is sorted out, but my school doesn't offer any. I'm at a loss of what to do. I would hate to take the rest of the semester off and lose that much money but Im currently incapable of continuing this way. Any advice would be much appreciated.</p>
<p>Maybe dropping 1 or 2 classes might make your course load more manageable? Your dean or academic adviser can help you with this.</p>
<p>Please take care of yourself before you start thinking about school. Taking a semester off might be for the best. If you withdrew now, you could probably still get a big junk of your tuition, room and board money refunded. Think about it like this: what a huge waste of money to pay for college when you cannot take advantage of the opportunities offered to you!</p>
<p>Also keep in mind that the grades you are earning now will follow you for the rest of your life. (Even if you transferred later, graduate schools would want to see a transcript from Susquehanna.) Better not screw them up.</p>
<p>Get in touch with your doctor about your medicine.</p>
<p>Drop any classes you think you can’t handle and keep the ones you would be able to get through without a ton of effort. </p>
<p>Also, speak with your parents about your options.</p>
<p>Speak with your doctor. The dosage may have to be changed or he/she may suggest trying a different medication.</p>
<p>You should also check with the disability office at SU. They can tell you how to get accommodations with your profs that might help. You would just need a letter from your doctor documenting your illness. Here is a link to Disability Services at SU:</p>
<p>[Susquehanna</a> University - Academics: Disability Services](<a href=“http://www.susqu.edu/academics/12687.asp]Susquehanna”>http://www.susqu.edu/academics/12687.asp)</p>
<p>IIRC, one of the things Susquehanna emphasizes is the sense of community. In addition to getting in touch with your doctor (do it now!) and the disability office, you should make it a point to go see each one of your profs during office hours and explain as much about the situation as you’re comfortable sharing. With spotty attendance and no communication from you, they’re likely to assume that you’re just a slacker; if you talk to them, you might discover that they’re on your side and willing to help you out.</p>
<p>camo girl: I would also check out health services. You can talk to a nurse who can guide you and speak on your behalf and she/he can help with paperwork for your Doctor (PMD).</p>
<p>Also, it is possible that you can take a medical leave and hopefully get your money back. You may want to reach-out immediately to a Dean. Take care of yourself!!!</p>
<p>Parent here. So sorry to hear you’re struggling. Starting college is a stressful situation, especially when you suffer from depression. Don’t try to handle this all on your own. Make sure you let your parents know what is going on. There are people on campus who can help you. Hope you get through the medication side effects quickly. I’ve heard that they usually subside or get better as time goes by.</p>
<p>Yeah talk to the dean’s office about not losing full time status for financial aid, or getting your housing contract cancelled if you have to return home. In some cases they might grant a tuition refund if you drop all classes. They won’t advertise that. Of course if you’re at the point where you can’t get to class even these steps will seem easier said than done. The point is <em>tell someone</em> at the college before you just stop caring.</p>
<p>As of now the only thing you’ll for sure lose is the extra time it’ll take to graduate. What’s important is to get better though.</p>