<p>new to CC, after looking around seems like a great place to seek advice. i'm currently a sophomore at villanova, my first semester freshman year was rough, it was a big transition. i got things back together for the second semester but last semester (my first of sophomore year) i really struggled. i became really depressed and had a lot of anxiety and ended up withdrawing from 2 courses and failing 1, thus only passing 2. toward the end of the semester i reached out for help at the counseling center and was starting to do a lot better and get back on track. this semester i had a gameplan all set and was ready to go but suffered 4 deaths in my family in the 2 weeks leading up to the semester's start and i've been trying to fight off depression since then. i've missed a lot of classes early this semester and missed a lot last semester but managed to avoid telling my parents exactly why i was doing so poorly. this semester is my last chance to do well except they've found out what's going on and are coming to campus tomorrow to meet with an administrator and me. i'm freaking out because i know i might not even get to finish this semester let alone come back for junior year. i have no idea what to do, i know i should have been honest up from but it's too late for that. any ideas how to diffuse this situation a little and possibly beg for another semester?</p>
<p>My first question would be have you been diagnosed with Depression the disease or an anxiety disorder? If you have, a visit with your parents to your counselor so he or she can explain how the disease affects learning/functioning may be in order. The diseases are usually quite successfully treated, and you should be able to come up with a treatment and academic success plan.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, our language has some limitations, and depression and anxiety are also used to describe feelings we all experience. Sometimes they are very normal responses to life events (like death or, yes failing). Your “plan” may be different depending on what you’re going through.</p>
<p>Honestly, you may be best served by a LOA while you get yourself together. If it is determined that it is in your own best interest to stay in school, you need a plan you can stick to. As you saw, a plan you don’t follow isn’t helpful. Who on campus could help with such a plan? Who can help you determine what courses can still be salvaged? If you want to stay, make some appointments with these people and start working on a plan.</p>
<p>I have been meeting with the same person my parents are meeting with tomorrow and she suggested a LOA might be the best idea, but I still feel like if I can salvage the 3 courses (1 is a lab) that I am still enrolled in this semester, a LOA would be a bad idea. I don’t want to give up on college or this semester, but I dug myself a pit early on and I’m just trying to claw my way out of it.</p>
<p>In terms of depression and anxiety, my psychologist said I was suffering from depression, but by the time she had recommended me to a psychiatrist I was feeling much better and more optimistic so she did not prescribe any meds. This week I’ve missed a bunch of classes because I’ve been sick since the end of last week, I haven’t been skipping, but my parents are still coming down tomorrow and I fear the worst.</p>
<p>Think hard about why you truly want to stay there? From your post, you’ve been sick, struggling with depression and classes aren’t going well. There is no shame in taking a break! Most importantly, be honest with your parents.</p>
<p>Some very recent studies indicate meds are no more effective for mild to moderate depression than placebos. However, not needing meds or not having moderate to severe depression does not mean you are depression-free. Your psychologist has diagnosed you with a disease that will affect your ability to be successful. This is how you start the conversation: " Mom, Dad, I have an illness." Your academic plan, whether it involves a LOA or staying in school for now MUST include a treatment, probably more counseling but there may be other options out there, for that illness. There’s no shame in a medical LOA, or any LOA, by the way.</p>
<p>i haven’t really found too much info on my school’s website, but i think i would have to leave immediately if i take a LOA while i think i can still finish this semester, salvage some credits and not be a full semester behind. i’m not sure, but i feel like being a full semester behind is not the best idea</p>
<p>The nad news is that Villanova may not be for you. At least not untill the depression thing is under control. (Say two years without a relapse) The good news is that you have a safety net of loving parents who apparently care about you. GL</p>