<p>Ok, so I need some serious help with my college career. I picked the wrong major for the wrong reasons. Now, three years into college, I am on the verge of dropping out. I could have graduated this semester but have failed the classes I needed because of lack of motivation/I just hate it so much! On top of that, I am being treated for depression/anxiety and had to file for academic relief last semester. It's not that my major is too difficult, in fact I am a scholarship student. Prior to this past year I maintained a 4.0 GPA. My academic advisor has been NO help and can't seem to understand anything I am saying.
The most frustrating thing is that I have already been accepted into graduate school (fall 2012) for epidemiology, which is my true passion( and I am out of my mind excited to begin). However, I can't start grad school until I have a bachelors degree.....and one of the classes I failed won't be offered again until next spring. What should I do? Take a semester off and finish up my undergrad in the spring? This is the only option I can see, but obviously one I am not crazy about either. I'm so confused and afraid to admit my struggles to anyone because I don't want to tarnish my reputation...</p>
<p>Let me put this preamble that I am not a medical doctor (or mental health professional of any sort) and the following is in no way professional advice, just a few ideas based on personal experience.</p>
<p>How’s your doctor/psychiatrist/psychologist helping with your depression/anxiety? Depression is a nontrivial medical issue and a medical leave of absence may be a necessity. Don’t be afraid to talk to loved ones and professionals and admit your issues, as leaving it unadressed (beyond taking medication) is probably not enough, it’s not something that will simply go away. Antidepressants help, but they’re not panacea and not without side effects.</p>
<p>You still have a passion, and that’s very good. You’re not that far from your goal, but first you need to take care of your health (both physical and mental), because that is the most important thing in life. Failing your last semester is not going to help you with anything. Getting a medical leave of absence for as long as necessary, on the other hand, cannot be held against you.</p>
<p>ETA: Here is the [Depression</a> Comix Archive](<a href=“http://depressioncomix.■■■■■■■■■■/archive]Depression”>depression comix: Archive), an artist’s perception of his own depression issues. It’s in no way advice again, but if you recognize yourself in some of these, at least you can know that you are not alone in your situation.</p>