26 replies to this topic

[Eisa]

I wish I had seen this 4 years ago. My grades would have been significantly better, my numerous meltdowns much better handled... although I did manage to get my BA...in psych, amusingly enough. Whenever I go on to graduate school, though..I'm printing a copy out and taping it on my wall so I can't lose it.

I know what you mean! My BA is also in psych. I wish that I had actually gone to the disability office and gotten accommodations. I didn't want to because I felt like doing that was admitting I was a failure...and that's not the case at all.

[happyheart19]

If you have to go to the hospital... GO!
I really put off going to the hospital multiple times when it would have been healthier for me to go. I caused my roommate a lot of stress and worried my parents unnecessarily and also did myself a disservice by not going.

I'm not saying go to the hospital every time you think of suicide, but if you're honestly thinking about ending your life and are serious about it/cannot function in school - think of yourself first. You can always get an incomplete if necessary. Your health is the most important thing.

ALSO! Don't pull all nighters, unless you HAVE to. They really seem to fuck things up.

[radicalfeminist]

This is a great and very important topic. I reached out to the access center for disabilities for the first time ever in my education history this past month, and it makes me very anxious/nervous, but it also feels good that there are people "on my side" who know my diagnoses and want to help make things a little simpler for me. I just applied for exam accommodations (I had to schedule them online). So far so good. I keep worrying that I did something wrong or I suddenly won't qualify, but I know this anxiety I'm feeling now is a lot better than just letting everything crash down on me so I burn out and drop out permanently like I have done in the past. 

[WinglessFaery]

Okay so what if ive already failed AND withdrawn in the first year due too MI? Ive heard people say that with proper medical records you can get that off your records? Does retaking the class you failed help?

just like how badly is this gonna effect me if I want too go too grad school or something?

[radicalfeminist]

WinglessFaery, I think the amount of leverage varies from school to school. The most important thing is that while you flunked out/withdrew from school that you were consistently treated by a medical professional (preferably the same one). Retaking the failed classes would be helpful, at my university, they knock the failed class off your transcript and replace it with your new passing grade when you do it over. Unfortunately, you have to pay for it again, but if your GPA desperately needs it then it might be your only option. I know that some undergrad and grad programs have a section on their application that asks for a written explanation for low marks or inconsistencies in your academic record. If you provide the relevant medical documentation to support this letter, they take your reasons into account while evaluating you for admission.

Edited by radicalfeminist, 04 February 2013 - 09:11 PM.

[amy5000]

Okay so what if ive already failed AND withdrawn in the first year due too MI? Ive heard people say that with proper medical records you can get that off your records? Does retaking the class you failed help?

just like how badly is this gonna effect me if I want too go too grad school or something?

It may depend on how long ago that was, I think, but I have a story. In the spring of 2012 I was really depressed and I failed all five of my classes because I just stopped going. I have felt all sad and sorry for myself about ruining my academic career and didn't think I had a chance of redeeming myself, but just about two weeks ago my therapist made me write a letter to the school explaining my circumstances. Miraculously, just a couple of days ago I get a response from the academic board saying they have honored my request and changed all of my Fs into Ws, and they did. It could be worth it to try and get some leverage with your grades there, using your mental illness. Now I'm so excited about going back to school. 

 

edited to make more sense

Edited by amy5000, 04 February 2013 - 10:56 PM.

[WinglessFaery]

Okay thanks you guys! I feel a bit better about it noow!