I have bipolar disorder & am doing poorly in college. Should I take time off, or keep going, w/1 yr left?

Question

I have been in college 4 WAY longer than is usual & need about 1 yr left to graduate. I have been struggling academically mostly because of my illness--have dropped numerous classes, gotten many incompletes--& my financial aid has just terminated. I need to file an appeal to request an extension of financial aid, & will get documentation from clinicians, but wonder if it is wise to take some time off (1 yr?) & work on my health & academic weaknesses (extreme perfectionism, procrastination, difficulty writing) & then return. Some warn that I won't go back, that I'm so close to done, & that it'll be harder to return when my community of friends will be gone. (My isolation problems have not helped.) I KNOW I will finish, though. Should I just push thru this last yr+, w/2 classes a term & not work anymore, & finally graduate? Or take time off & return renewed? How do I know 4 sure if I'm ready to return? I really want 2 end school w/better grades, & be ready 4 grad schl. Am unfocused now.

Answer 1

That's a hard one I think you should ask someone professional that vs asking people on the net maybe even a family member!!

Answer 2

If you really think you need time off then you should give yourself a break...but I do not recommend it. If you must take a break I would suggest taking only 1 quarter or semester off so that not so much changes and you are still somewhat in the school mindset. Or drop to 1/2 time and only take 1 or 2 classes at a time so you are still in school but you can really focus on those classes.
I am sure you can accomplish grad school (you are obviously a determined person to have gone through this much school), but are you sure that's really what you want to do? It is long and expensive and even harder than undergrad. If you are struggling with undergrad it will be a challenge to get in and stay in...and it is not as easy to just drop classes and things (depending on what school and what you are studying). I know you can do but be sure it is worth it before you commit.
I would get a tutor and push through this last year then take your time off and make absolutely sure that grad school is what you want to do. You don't want to put a lot of time, money, and energy into it only to decide that it wasn't worth it.
You should be proud of yourself for getting this far in school, you are so close...just remember how great it will feel to walk across the stage and get your diploma.
Good Luck!

Answer 3

You are just on the low end of your cycle now, and you are tired. I get that. But keep pushing on. Don't let your disorder define you. My husband is bi-polar and well supports a family of 4 all by himself. Yes, he occasionally has issues, but as long as he stays on his meds, he does well. You sound like you may need an adjustment to yours, and maybe a change of docs. If this is the only health issue you have, then no, do not take time off. Keep pushing through and get done. It will never be any easier to get this done than it is right now. There will never be a time that you are not bi-polar, so you need to learn a way to live with it without letting it color every thing you do. Stay on your meds and I wish you good luck. You can do this. Now stop procrastinating and get on with it!

Answer 4

Each person is different, however I'll give you some general advice and food for thought.

Are you in contact with the college's office for students with disabilities? If not, you should be! They may be able to help with the extensions.

I wouldn't suggest, taking the year off!!! It will disrupt your natural support system you have in place. However you may want to kick off for the summer, and recharge or take a light load next semester.

Next time you go to the clinic you may want to mention the problem, and see if you need your meds adjusted. A minor adjustment may help with the focusing.

Hang in there, college is hard, and even harder with a disability. Many people who don't even have a disability make it this far.

Good luck!

Answer 5

If it is at all possible to quit working while you complete this last year, then do! Working while attending college full-time is very stressful. I know. I worked 40 hours a week throughout my entire college career, and it really took a toll on my grades, my attitude and my health. It is true that you will probably not go back if you choose to stay out for a year. You're very close to completing, so speak with your doctor, and the two of you can devise a plan to help you through. Good luck to you!

Answer 6

Finish if you can, bite the bullet and plow through and don't even think about grad school right now.

I almost vomited every day of my last year of college, I was sick of school and sick of the money problems but I am glad I finished because I don't think I would have returned. "Real life" has a way of sucking you in once you stop school and it will be 10 times harder for you to go back if you quit now. Good luck!

Answer 7

Sounds like your medication isn't working for you right now. My boyfriend is bipolar and he takes Wellbutrin, Abilify and Zoloft. His symptoms are under control and he is living a normal happy life.

If I were you, I would stick it out and finish school now. I'm one of those who never went back and I've always regretted it. Just take a couple classes like you said, and you should be able to get it behind you. Then do some serious experimenting with a new medication until you find the right ones. Good Luck!...)(

Answer 8

Seek available counselling. A professional may be ableto help you make your decisions. If you are on medication, maybe that will make a difference.

With only 1 year to go, you can see the "light at the end of the tunnel."

One possible solution: take fewer classes. It may take you longer to graduate, but it will help you finish your goal and maybe you won't feel so overwhelmed.

Keep trying. Don't give up.

Answer 9

continue with college, it is going to be worth it in the long run. take the minimum amount of classes. don't look at it as alot of work or classes look at it as a goal that you have set and you will not stop until it is complete. you have come so far and to leave now will only cause you more stress and depression. relax, take your time, and focus on the positive not the negative. there are many bipolar individuals that have certain techniques to help deal with it. but stress is one thing you do not need. if you stop now it will only get harder. good luck, and keep moving.

Answer 10

Every college has The office of disability services. It is usually located under student affairs. Seek their HELP! They have lists of accommodations for any disorder. They also can help for the extent ion of financial aid and can even submit documentation to help for that extent ion. They will even submit documentation for your professors so they can make arrangements to help you learn. I know it sounds like their is no way this can help but I promise you please go and seek your office of disability services. That way you can get this year out of the way!!! Good luck and let me know what happens!