Should I transfer schools if I am depressed? (and other reasons)

Transfer Students
1

<p>Hi there,</p>

<p>I will try to explain my situation so you can understand it. I am a 21 year old girl. I attended community college for 2 years, not knowing what I wanted to major in at the beginning. In the middle of community college, I discovered the field of Occupational Therapy (through research) and became quite intrigued by it. I felt like the field implemented a lot of things I am passionate about: helping others, being creative, and helping individuals become more independent. I also liked the one on one connections you make with people as an OT. I shadowed a couple of occupational therapists only for about 4 hours total, and liked (for the most part) what I saw. It looked meaningful, interesting. I think when my mind gets really set on something, I dwell on it for awhile. At this point, I still didn't really know what OT was all about, but I still liked it and was convinced I wanted to do it. So since I only attended community college and had an associate's, I looked for a program that had a 5-year OT program in which a bachelors degree wasn't necessary to be admitted. This way I would save money, finish and the program faster. I found a school that accepted me, and all my credits. That was what excited me. The school is out of state, about 3 hours from home. I visited the school, and I thought it was alright. I wasn't super excited by it, but I didn't think it was that bad either.. I read mostly bad reviews from what I researched, but I figured I'd be fine if I try to make the most of it.</p>

<p>I wish I took the reviews more seriously, and my decision more seriously. I am here now, and I am having a very difficult time. I don't officially start the OT program till next year since I am now taking university requirements. It is a really small school and that really gets to me. It feels like I am on an island. Seeing all the same people all the time kind of makes me anxious. I have never been diagnosed, but I also feel that I have some kind of social anxiety disorder. I feel anxiety living in such a small room with my roomate. My roommate is cool, but I just don't feel we click and I don't feel that comfortable around her, so my living space doesn't even feel comfortable. I am constantly feeling anxious and uncomfortable, and it makes it difficult to make friends. I find myself focusing more on human interaction than my schoolwork, but the anxiety sometimes makes me feel disconnected from the friendships I have. I am getting a little worried too that I am having very difficult time concentrating on anything (conversations, my schoolwork). I have a really hard time telling my parents or people about this, cause I have a hard time showing weakness. All I know is I am really worried about my mental health, I don't feel like I'm functioning well and my thoughts are constantly flowing and negative. I can never concentrate on anything at all. I feel like it's the depression's effect on my cognitive abilities. I usually care about my schoolwork more, but I feel like my motivation is getting so low and I noticed the anxiety is causing me to physically feel pain my chest :/</p>

<p>I just don't know what to do.
I think the truth is I really can't handle being in this atmosphere, and being so far away from the familiar.
But at the same time I am interested in OT, and if I am in a good place as far as "academics."
But I really don't feel okay. I haven't looked into transferring at all.. been trying to focus on my assignments here. </p>

<p>Please help. </p>

2

<p>Why not see a counselor of some sort. Does your health insurance cover something like that or does the school have something free?</p>

3

<p>I agree with Purple. Seek help from the school counselor/advisor and if that is not helpful talk to your parents. Don’'t try to look strong when you are feeling so much anxiety! Worst case scenario, you might transfer and finish in 7 years but at least you will finish! If you are not well you will probably drop out before you finish.</p>

4

<p>I actually did see the school counselor. She said it may be a difficult adjustment because I kind of rushed the decision and also I didn’t write this in the post up there, but the school is very liberal and I am quite a conservative individual so it can be hard to handle… She said it’s important to make sure that I feel like I’m in an environment where I feel like I’m growing.</p>

5

<p>Transfer will not cure your mental depression, you need to have it diagnosed and fixed by a doctor.</p>

6

<p>You need to see a counselor who is familiar with anxiety disorders. If the ones at your school are not, then see someone outside who is. Ask them for a referral, or your doctor from home.</p>

<p>Deal with that issue first. Then with whether or not to transfer. As otherwise, you may very well find yourself in the exact same situation, or worse, at your next school. </p>

7

<p>I agree with @justlookingnow‌. Getting to the root of your anxiety should be your first priority, and in order to do so you should meet with a mental health professional. Just be honest and share exactly how you feel. Once you do that then you can make a clear and confident decision about whether you want to transfer or not. Don’t worry, just let out your feelings and be honest with whoever you meet with so that you can make the best decision for yourself. </p>