<p>I'm a long time lurker, sometimes poster using a new screen name. I have read many threads about kids leaving school for a variety of reasons but not so much about those who may, if ever, return. My D has been out of school for a year on a medical leave after being diagnosed with depression and anxiety. She finished a year at her small LAC but it was not particularly successful. She has been in therapy since she came home and seems to have found meds that are working for her. She currently has a job and is enrolled to take a summer course at a local school. The final decision will be made by her therapist and the school's administration/counseling department. We are hopeful as she seems better than she did even in the fall and much better than last year but it is a cautious hopefulness. Truth be told, though my H and I would like to see her return and succeed we are scared to death. She has a great therapist who we are working with to hopefully set up some accommodations to help her succeed if she should return. So I thought I might ask the wise parents of CC for some anecdotal evidence. Anybody know of a kid like this who came out ok on the other side? All advice is appreciated.</p>
<p>I was that kid, two decades ago, and I came out on the other side. I could not believe how wonderful college was without the mental illness weighing me down! What a joy it was to just learn. It’s like slogging through mud and suddenly someone paves the road in front of you. </p>
<p>I still deal with depression and anxiety but have finished my BS, has success at work and raised a wonderful son. I’m returning to college this fall to begin work on my Masters degree. There is a whole world out there waiting for your daughter. I wish all of you the very best of luck.</p>
<p>With a combination of a good therapist, the right med.s, and a supportive college, helpful parents, seems like things are on the right track. I suspect your daughter will take a reduced load, and maybe live in a single. </p>
<p>I have known this too happen to many adolescents. My best to you and your DD.</p>
<p>OP here. I see that after I posted this thread another parent posted a thread about a second semester crash which is essentially what happened to us a year ago. I have been following that thread with interest and especially like Olymom’s post. I haven’t heard many stories of success though, so I am very worried. If there wasn’t a financial investment attached to the second attempt it might not be so scary, but like the OP in the other thread we lost a semester’s worth of tuition at an expensive LAC where we receive no FA. And I am acutely aware of the importance of her getting some sense of success under her belt. So I am hoping that I can get some suggestions to help her succeed if she does go back. My daughter seems to suffer from some of what HImom describes about her own daughter. She gets overwhelmed and instead of dealing with things she sticks her head in the sand. Any feedback is appreciated.</p>