Posted by Maynerd on November 4, 2005, at 13:20:07
In reply to Confused and Depressed Graduate Student, posted by michellemybell on November 4, 2005, at 6:20:49
I understand all to well, having to deal with almost the same thing. The only difference is that I am finishing my BA right now, before starting grad school next fall. When I am 'normal' or moderately hypomanic I can get A's without much effort (which really annoys my few friends). When I am depressed I can barely read let alone retrieve the information I have already studied, which makes the depression all the worse. I found myself putting of many of my studies until I was in a favorable mood, all the while trying to bs my way through school. early on this was easy, but as you know classes eventually get hard enough that trickery won't get you an A anymore. Luckily enough for me my University has a counseling center that is free for students which I finally went to for help. While the meds that they finally convinced to take have helped me tremendously, it was the professors themselves that made me feel that I should continue on through grad school rather than dropping out after my BA. Perhaps it was because they are all psych professors, but every one of them was supportive and understanding. They each treated me as a valued person who was struggling to take control of a disorder, and each was willing to meet me halfway by working with me if I needed it. Although I've rarely needed it, they have allowed me to take tests or turn in papers late (or early as in on instance) when my depression was messing with me. Friends are another story, unfortunately. Regular people without a background in psych or empathy tend to not understand things which they have no experience with; which often times translates into very hurtful actions and words from them.
Bottom line, you may be physically alone but you are not spiritually alone. I understand. My prayers that you find your inner peace soon, my thoughts and love for you so that you know that you are never truly alone.
poster:Maynerd
thread:575271
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/studs/20050910/msgs/575377.html