Should I tell my professors I was diagnosed with Major Depression this semester? It's why I'm doing poorly.

Question

I missed a lot of class and some assignments because I literally couldn't get out of bed for a few days this semester. I am seeing a therapist and she diagnosed me with major depression. I am trying to get better. In the meantime, there is another month left of this semester and I want to try to make amends. I am an all A's and B's student and it will kill me to get C's or D's when the reason for my problem is psychological. Should I tell my professors (who like me, I think) what the deal is? Or would that be too personal?

Answer 1

Yes, absolutely...and also if the school has a social worker or counselor (not school or career, a regular one, lol), let them know.

A lot of us have had bad depressions...even school professors...I think you will be surprised at the reactions you get.

Answer 2

Hmmm, this is a tough question...if I were you, I would ask your therapist for a written note to give to your profs..if you are going thru a MAJOR depression, then that is a medical problem, just like any other medical condition...I would just make sure that if you do tell your profs, make sure you present it in such a way that they understand you are not trying to get sympathy or special favors, but just some consideration for the fact that you are dealing with an illness (I say this because lots of people who are having issues at school and work blame the fact that they are depressed and use it as an excuse, so that's why you should get a note to show that you problem is serious)....hope you feel better soon, I have been treated for depression in the past and am doing quite well these days, it really does get better.

Answer 3

When my mental illnesses have effected my ability to succeed in school (which has, unfortunately happened quite a few times over the years) I did speak to each teacher and every one of them was compassionate and did their best to work with me to help me to figure out the best way for me to finish their class. My school had a program for people with disabilities, if your school has that, you may want to talk to them first. Next in line would be your academic adviser. The risk is that there remains a lot of ignorance about mental illness (as you can see by a good portion of the answers you have gotten so far) and teachers are only human. That being said, I don't think you have anything to lose by talking to them and explaining things.
And if you are getting C's and D's, you are still passing. I know it's disappointing and it feels awful and it lowers your GPA, but at least you know the reason it's happening. Hopefully by next semester you will be feeling better and back to your old self.

Don't let ignorant people bring you down and make you feel worse, either. I wish Major Depression had another name, something that really conveys the extent of it. There is no "just getting over it" (just because you feel like you should be able to)and anybody who knows anything about the physiology of depression will understand that.

Answer 4

Yes, definitely.

1) Make an appointment with each professor. It is your choice if you wish to tell them about your depression. Otherwise, you could just tell them that you are ill and that you are working on getting better.

2) Go in with a plan on what you can do to improve your grades.
Asking to take another test might not be the best idea, because that would require the professor to make up another test. Things that you could do on your own, would probably be the best...such as writing additional papers, re-doing a lab experiment, etc.

Professors deal with issues like this all the time. Don't be afraid. Go in with a plan. The professor may have something else in mind, but be willing to be flexible.

Some may ask for a letter, some may not. It's ok to get one. No-one else will see it. Sometimes they have to have a letter in order to ensure that they don't get in trouble for showing "favoritism" to one student.

But definitely, talk with them.

Good luck!

Answer 5

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Answer 6

like the first person told you. You can tell you teachers you are having a medical problem looked at, which caused your grades to fall. Ask the teachers if there is anything you can do to possibly bring your grades up.

I know back in my school days, the final was like 50% of ones grade, so you could definitely bring up your average by doing well on your finals.....

you also, might want to drop a class or two that you are really having problems with in order to maintain that GPA. your school should be willing to do this, and some schools even allow you to retake the class for free the next semester if you drop it now. (find out from your admins office about this first to see if your school allows it).

Good luck with the classes and your depression.

Answer 7

Using your depression as a cop out may explain it to the professors, but frankly if a professor gives you a pass because of it if I were another student in the class I'd be one pissed off hombre If I did the work and you didn't have to. Do the work, bust *** to make up, you'll feel better because you are making the effort. If you cut and run (seems society likes to do that now) you will only deepen your symptoms of helplessness.

Get off the couch and do the work. Take walks instead of watching the tube or messaging on yahoo.

Answer 8

Perhaps not the professors first.
Can you dicuss with a counsellor at the school. Some schools have an entire section that helps students with learning disabilities such as chronic depression, dyslexia, ADD, etc. Does your school have one- if so it means that there is a policy already helping students like yourself.
If you can the support of a school counsellor; the approach the professor with your situation and the school policy and ask them how this can be applied for you

Stick with. You cannot do more than your best. We are not always strong

Answer 9

Unfortunately Society and it's veiw of mental Health issues is not what it should be. I would not tell anyone that could hurt me or in some way discriminate against me . What would your reason be to tell them is that an excuse as to why you are doing poorly or what?
Are you on an anti-depressant ,do you have mood swings Like up and down? Are you seeing a psych. Doctor or just your therapist who can't help you with meds. I think it would help for you to get a diagnosis .

Answer 10

By all means talk to your professors about it, but talk to them about it privately. This is your future we're talking about here, and you don't want the bad grades and the possible consequences that go along with them (like academic probation or academic dismissal). If you explain the situation to them I'm betting they'll be willing to work with you. They may ask for a note from your doctor/therapist to confirm, but again, we're talking about your future here, so I say do it. There's no shame in admitting that you have a problem and that you're getting help for it (oh, by the way, GOOD ON YOU for getting help), so keep your professors in the loop and see what they can and will do for you. They may allow you to do some make-up work or re-take some quizzes/tests here and there. Good luck!

Answer 11

Yes, college professors deal with these types of situations all the time. They will almost certainly try to help you, and if they don't then you should speak to the academic dean at your school and they will help you. You will also most likely be able to complete missed assignments without any penalties.