having problems in college

[brookebb]

hi everyone. i am a sophomore in college, and for the past month i have been having symptoms of depression. last week i made an appointment with a college counselor and my appointment is this thursday. i have been tired, lethargic, and upset for no reason. it has hindered my ability to put effort into my studies. for example, in the beginning of the semester, before my depressive symptoms, i received an 89 on my organic chemistry test. on the second test, i received a 55, which does not show my true abilities. i am doing better in my other classes only because they require less studying. I am getting marks in the B range, but i would normally be getting A grades in these classes. I want to withdraw from the organic chemistry course, but the withdrawal date passed (it was on april 5th). i also want to declare my major as psychology, so i would not need organic chem anyway, so i would not care about retaking the class for a better grade. ( I thought i wanted to major in neuroscience and go to med school, but i have changed my mind). do you think there is anyway i can still withdraw from organic chemistry, instead of the professor giving me an F. Withdrawing looks bad, but at least it won't bring down my GPA. Thanks.

 

by the way, i am seeing a college psychologist this thursday for my first time.

[pink_sugar]

Good for you for seeking help. By this summer, it will have taken me 6 years to get through college versus 4. I had a lot of personal issues in addition to going to school. Seeing a therapist really helps. If there isn't something in particular triggering your depression, it could also be hereditary. Talk with your therapist...if therapy isn't helping anti-depressants can also be considered if nothing else is working for you. I find that surrounding myself with supportive family and friends will help you get through it. Hang in there! It will get better.

[dougmccoy]

since the withdrawal has already passed, there is no way you can withdraw the subject anymore. the best way to maintain a good GPA would be to study more for the final tests.

[spiderowl]

I don't know what it's like where you live, what country, but in the UK it is sometimes possible to switch courses. If you have 'good cause' (and a period of illness would be counted as that as long as it was backed up by medical evidence), then the admin. would try to help you work out a better course of action or even to have a break from uni for a period but come back later (it's called intercalating in the UK).

 

It sounds like you've become disillusioned in your course. Do you think you really want to do psychology - I mean do you feel drawn towards that or is it the 'lesser of two evils' for you? I think seeing a counsellor would help you to work out what you really do want to do and to help you with the way you are feeling at the moment. It is worth also seeing your doctor, if only to get a med cert as evidence you were depressed during this period in case you need it later.

 

Basically, a counsellor can help you work through your feelings and your academic advisor and the learning and teaching admin. staff will be able to talk you through your options, whatever they might be. Hopefully, you will find a course of action that will suit you. You may want to consider taking some time out though through intercalating, so you can recover from your depression and work out what you want to do next. Good luck.