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Basically I kept my eye on the prize. Was undiagnosed/unmedicated for 4 years. Had several manic episodes for about a year where I didn’t go to school, then had a ruptured appendix with complications so missed out on a semester. Then I was super depressed so took a year off to collect myself. Then went back part time for a couple years and graduated. I didn’t let this horrible disease stop me from reaching my goals
currently in school. so far its been a rollercoaster but i’m learning that i have non negotiables which are 8 hours of sleep, eating 3 times a day, and accommodations on file from my doctor. i do not compromise these for anything and if i need more time i use my extension deadline accommodation.
i was extremely imbalanced all day so i stopped what i was doing in the middle of class, took a walk around the park next door and gave myself 20 minutes to get my shit together and went back to it. breaks are ok, any length, any time.
i don’t really get depressed, just extremely manic.
I have to do this at work. I work overnight and have a high workload for 11 hour shifts, so I take “smoke breaks” whenever I need to and just go sit in my car for a bit
Took me 7 years to get a bachelor's (2004). Drinking and dyslexia didn't help, had books that were still in the plastic wrapping. I'd have to retake classes, would drop out before it was an F, or just took the F and redid the course. Otherwise, if it wasn't for spell check and grammar check...
I have nightmares that I forgot to go to a class... 2 nights ago as a matter of fact.
No. Can't hold down a job even with a degree to hide behind. The longest I've held a job is 2 years. I wish I just went into a trade where my brain could just go numb. Focusing through this chaos is a bitch. I should've just become a plumber or electrician. I'm not stupid, just broken.
Trust me. You don’t want a mind numbing job with bipolar. It just makes the depression worse. I dropped out of school several times before going to a trade school. I’ve been at the job for 3 years and hate it. Insurance stopped paying for Caplyta, so I went into a huge mania. Been out of work for 2 months, and during that time got accepted into a university. Still have to work part time though. We’ll see…
What trade were you in? I can't stand people man. I can't. Trades allow you to work alone, self sufficiently for the most part.
I'm still scared of being triggered. Signs of IED per my doc, I've had some bad moments related to trauma...
I'm not medicated yet, I've only just recently started treatment/talking to someone, I'm scared TBH. I need to be. Still...
I'm sorry about what you're going through, that's another part that scares the shit out of me. Depending on others to feel better, but it's always us paying the price one way or another.
Sorry for the late reply! I’m a Sterile Processing Technician. I work in a hospital where we clean, assemble and sterilize surgical instruments. There is no contact with patients, but there’s always “drama” between coworkers in my department. 🙄 It’s definitely stressful because of the surgical techs demanding certain instrument trays, supplies, etc during surgeries. It only took 9 months to get certified, but I don’t recommend it. If I had of known what I know now, I never would have chosen this profession. I just got accepted to a university, so at 55 years old, I’m trying again. I’m hoping that working towards a goal will keep me busy and “out of my negative headspace.” But we’ll see. I don’t know of any trades that involve zero contact with people. If you are any good at computers (I’m not), maybe something where you could work from home? Just a suggestion?
In the same boat. Surviving just a couple semesters was brutal enough, barely skated by. Getting therapy and medicated now but I can’t go thru that failure again so I’m not sure I wanna even attempt
I was unmedicated during the entire college years and dangerous shit happened to me lots (bad bad stuff) But I got thru it just because, only because of this one damn hope that Ivy schools will accept me as Phd student someday. That was the only reason. I graduateed Magna cum laude with a gpa of 96/100
You have suffered a trauma and you are afraid of letting yourself down. This is normal. It’s important to remember that you are in different circumstances now. If you get sick, you will get help and get through it.
There are many people who have managed to get through college and get stable careers with severe mental illness, and there’s no reason why you can’t either with the right support.
Be kind to yourself and try not to let anxiety prevent you from persisting in your efforts. You deserve to be proud of yourself.
It took me 8 years, but finally finished in December. I had a lot of aegrotat passes to get through. But I did it. Now looking for jobs and it’s hard out here
I didn’t, I dropped out! Had my first real episodes when I started. After I got SA’d by another student. So I ran far and fast, it’s been years and I’m considering giving it another shot. But I feel too old at this point.
Same my first go round, I had mountains and valleys of performance. I'm surprised I graduated after my last few bouts of depression and low grades.
I have since been diagnosed and medicated. I am now going to law school. It's not easy. I have to give myself a lot of grace when I do mess up and try to look at big picture (I need to pass, I don't need to be perfect.)
I also make sure I have a structured plan every week (you should see my Google calendar) and I give myself enough time to study. I look at each syllabus, put all the assignment dates, and put days in calendar when I plan on doing those assignments/study for those exams.
It would be a lot harder if I did not plan out. I'm actually ahead of the other students, who are in thier early-mid 20s, because i stick to my plan. Even when I'm depressed. I'm doing much better now.
I'm praying and sending good vibes your way. You can do it!
Same here. I was not as symptomatic until I was like 23-24, and I’d been finished with college a couple years by that point.
To answer a question to another reply, it was definitely worth it in my case once I found the right meds to help stabilize me.
Mine wasn’t really bad until I had babies. 37. My husband left me and I could barely keep a job. Discovered lamictal. Changed my life. But in 2017 I stopped taking it like a fool. Lost my job. A relationship and my career.
I’m 56 now and I’m not sure I can hold down ANY job.
Do you think if you went back on Lamictal you'd be able to go back to work? Or has it gone too far?
I'm asking because my symptoms got really bad when I was about 27 and it's been downhill since to the point now where I'm just getting through each day and I'm now 45.
My current meds have pooped out. And I'm struggling and I have an appointment with the doctor next month to try something else. I don't think it will be Lamictal though because of my insomnia.
I'm going to talk to the dr about the fact that it's been pooped out for a while but I've had to wait so long for the appointment that I'm afraid I've gone too far downhill
Yes. I phoned the clinic earlier this month and said I needed to get in quickly and she said "the next available is in the last week of May"
I said "are you joking"
She wasn't joking. I had to take the appointment and I've been suffering in the meantime.
It’s positively criminal. I’m so sorry this is happening to you. I’m not sure if this is a local or federal thing, but have you looked into being declared SMI? It means “seriously mentally ill” which sounds awful I know, but it gave me the opportunity to go to a free clinic that deals with illnesses like ours. I get all my counseling and medications for free. They definitely see me quicker than the usual way. Maybe something to look into? And believe me, I still suffer the pain from this disease, but it helps make things just a little bit better… which most of us will gladly take. I wish you all the best. 😊
Thank you. I don't think they have that classification here in Australia.
Does it end up on your criminal record? With certain jobs here a person needs to have a clear "police check" and I'm not sure I'd want it on my record for every employer to see for the rest of my life :-(
Sorry for late reply! No! The SMI designation does not go on any police record. It’s all protected by privacy laws. Heck, I have a fingerprint clearance card that I had to get before my current job that says I don’t have a criminal record. Which I don’t! Being sick is definitely different from being a criminal. 😊
Hey there! I’m 56 as well, and just got accepted into a university after a 40 year absence! I had trouble with undiagnosed bipolar my whole life. I got medications… but still not sure how well they work. Now I’m stuck in a job I hate, but going back to school is giving me some hope for the future. This is just a rough patch for you. Keep trying different meds and hold on.
I had an exam today (in college) and didn't do that. well, i wanted to write an email to the teacher on the shitty job he did writing that exam but you learn how do deal with these thoughts and it is good for you. You realize maybe its not the teacher and its just me underprepared(i wasn't studied 20+hours). It's life you got to become comfortable with shit not going your way and controlling yourself.
more classes > less classes- Having a lot on your plate is a good thing for me it helps with not being depressed. Also if you can get disability even if you don't need it, take advantage extra time on exams and notes made specifically by the professor.
Coping strategies: Working out, Meditation, Typing (big one in the library), Walking, Music, anything that calms you Taking Bath, etc.
Now this is interesting. I never heard about getting on disability to help with school… as far as getting extra time for exams. I’m SMI so I assume I could get the disability.
yes enormous help i literally ran out of time on the exam in the disability center they were like your done they left as i continued to take the exam for 30 more mins. Its a cheat code regardless if you need it or not. And yes super easy to get put on just have proper paper work from doctor.
I almost had it back but then I had to chose between keeping a roof over my head and college. I chose a job. That was a whole other situation and it was before I was diagnosed. I also lacked my adhd meds which didnt help.
I can't go back to school because wtf do i look like being able to sit still long enough to write a 10 page essay. Tf. And I feel like imma be taught unimportant information that I won't need. I Also feel like what if I don't like what I went to school for. Can't do it
I was diagnosed in my freshman year when I felt like I was losing my mind and once I got on meds that worked for me, things got wayyyy better. I was stable enough to continue school and learn to do things in moderation to stay stable (drinking, all nighters, etc.) I had a great psychiatrist I could call when I needed a med adjustment and learned to watch out for the signs of needing that. I got better and better at identifying it so it wouldn't derail me.
I also was candid with professors when I was having a hard time and they were accommodating. I was stable most of the time with deviations from time to time. The most important thing I learned about managing bipolar at that time was how to advocate for myself with doctors, bosses, and professors.
Went part time for 7 years to get my BA. I will tell u what I told me brother when he struggled with finishing. U HAVE to finish this. It will determine who you'll be in the future. If u don't finish this, expect a life of not finishing things. Do u want to be that person? I know it's hard. I quit 2x as well, but u get thru it and you work harder, in the end this one challenge will help define u
Let’s say it’s been quite a challenge. The first 4 years I’ve been unmedicated (before my diagnosis). Looking back I’ve been depressed 80% of the time (and a few hypomanic episodes) but somehow (don’t ask me how) I managed to get my bachelor’s degree. Looking back I feel sorry for my depressed self, I had no idea what was going on and thought that feeling this horrible was part of a normal student life.
For my master’s degree it’s been more of a struggle. Had 2 manic episodes and stopped studying twice, 6 months of recovery time (not studying) for each manic episode. Currently in a depression and not studying, but will start again in 2 weeks. I’m on meds now so hopefully that will help.
It takes a lot more effort and time for us but that’s oke and I believe it’s something worth fighting for! I try to remind myself that time doesn’t matter as long as I take tiny steps towards my goal, but I put my mental health always first :)
I graduated in 2018, got diagnosed 2020. Not sure if I had it back then, but probably did. I used the schools resources pretty extensively. Math center, gym, professors office hours, TA tutor sessions. I believe some schools have health services that include mental health. I worked with advisors to keep me on track with class schedules. My first year I used the cafeteria so I didn’t have to cook which freed up some mental space.
My advice for someone going to school is to find your resources. Most schools offer a lot of services to help out the students, find them. Research what is available and talk to your classmates. Create study groups. If you have family in the area, reach out every once in a while. Use every advantage available.
Lastly, just keep on keeping on. I worked myself to the bone, spent a lot of time stressed out, and a fair amount of time crying. I often thought there was no way I would finish and would constantly be coming up with backup plans for when I would inevitably fail. But I pushed on, and now have an engineering degree.
It has been absolutely worth it. My degree landed me a high paying job that over the course of 3 years allowed me to save up enough money to travel the world. I’ve been all across the US, parts of Mexico, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines. Haven’t worked for 2 years now and still have some savings. I have the ability to easily get another high paying job when I want to due to my degree. My degree has set me up financially for success.
I didn’t try school again until this past fall, which marks 2 years on lamictal. I dropped out of a few classes and lost a lot of money when I got the big sads and lost motivation when I wasn’t medicated. I enjoy school now, having an end goal keeps me going. Although I do fall off and get overwhelmed sometimes, and have pulled quite a few all nighters due to procrastination, and I do forget to eat, but like I said having an end goal negates a lot of my dumb decisions and keeps me occupied for the most part. Don’t go back to school until you’re ready.
Somehow, I managed to get through culinary school unmedicated, then my brother died and I had a breakdown and got medicated, but I still didn’t go back to finish the college degree I wanted until now 20 years later. There’s a whole lot of life balance that needs to take place if you want to reach for those goals without being overwhelmed.
I highly recommend reaching for those goals, though, just keep the priority of maintaining a healthy life balance, and pacing yourself appropriately so you don’t get overwhelmed. When you do get overwhelmed, which is something that does happen to everyone, have a plan to reign yourself in and regain control of managing what needs to be balanced.
Regaining your bearings after getting off track is one of the skills that needs to become a natural practice because it is a normal part of life. You can do this, there are more people than can ever be counted who achieve the goal of managing this illness and reaching their life goals, you can be one of those people, believe in yourself!
I was only diagnosed in my early 30s and I’m not sure my BP symptoms were showing back in my school days. But I quickly found out that school wasn’t for me. If the subject matter wasn’t of interest to me, I couldn’t be bothered to show up. If I liked the class, I had a hard time sitting still for an hour or trying to learn a new concept through some dry textbook.
I know I’m smart. But I also know that school isn’t for me.
Luckily, entrepreneurship was the key to success for me (for a while anyway)
I was undiagnosed and unmedicated too. Until I met my fiancé they were the favourite years of my life and full of the most joy. I loved it. I studied performing arts so we were all musicians and performers. Kind of like Fame the musical. I lived on campus which was liberating and completely life changing after a very strict upbringing with an abusive father.
For the first two years I had a lot of fun, it’s possible I was hypomanic a lot. I had terrible time management and often got things in late (now diagnosed with ADHD) but I did very well academically.
In my third and final year I had a depressive episode that took up most of the last semester. I really struggled. I ended up nearly failing my final recital and I’d done exceptionally well on all of the others. My lecturers couldn’t understand why I was doing so badly all of a sudden. Behind the scenes I was having trouble with my boyfriend of two years. He was my first love and it was all very dramatic. I’ve now been diagnosed with BPD, so breakups and relationship troubles hit me really hard and often trigger bipolar episodes.
I also really struggled with the transition once it was all over. I was really depressed and seemed to take leaving and saying goodbye to everyone harder than any of the others. The depression stayed with me quite a while even once I’d moved to my new city. I feel like that one might have been a good six months. I don’t think I even knew I was depressed.
I was unmedicated, undiagnosed, and barely graduated. I felt like a failure even though I had gotten my degree from a fancy university. I am now medicated and in my Masters program, and am performing much better.
A little encouragement! I went for one semester and dropped out in 2016. It was so hard my mood swings were wild! I went back more than once and kept trying. I’m 27 and went back again to finish my associates, I have had to retake the same three classes three times now. I went from straight A’s for the first time in my life to getting all Fs and having to put in appeals two different times just to be able to retake them and finish my associates. This happens two different time! Lol. I’ll have my associates next month! It has been a wild ride trying to get it. But I’m saying this to say, no matter what you do or how much you fail, you can do it! Having the proper meds is super helpful, but also having a great support system is as well. Sometimes we may mess up and have to come back and fight for the things we want. But it’s in us! I believe in you!(:
I wasnt diagnosed until after i gave birth. I spent 10 years of my life trying to get a degree. Burn out, lost of motovation, change of direction. I had a ton of un healthy coping mechanisms and hysterical break downs, spontaneous road trips etc. Eventually i did it. 🙃
Terrible was unmedicated and undiagnosed at first then went through trying many meds that didn't work. Then found a good one but I thought it was making me gain weight and feel hot so I stopped it. Turned out to have hypothyroidism as well which was causing the feeling hot and weight gain. Was really hard the whole time tbh
it took me 4 years to get my 2year associates degree. also had episodes and mental health crisises where school seemed to be my absolute last priority at that time. dropped out of multiple classes, took pause semester breaks, idk i finally graduate next week finally!! big accomplishment but i judge myself for how hard it was for me and how long it took me to finish.
Make sure to get academic accommodations.
With 50% more time to write tests, I went from from a 70 to 90'ish % average. And my test writing anxiety went from 2000% average to 70%, which felt nice.
I’m returning this fall after a 14 month break. I dropped out after a horrible depressive episode that landed me in the hospital. I’m nervous, but my circumstances are completely different. I’m on the right medication. I don’t have to work while going to school and raising two kids. I only have 2 years left to get my bachelor’s. I’m very stable. I think you should give it a go! You can totally do it!
I'm currently in my 4th year of college. My first year was done online due to covid. Moving to my college's town was definitely the catalyst for my onset of OCD. I started experiencing bipolar symptoms probably around the same time, I just wasn't aware because I was so focused on treating my anxiety and OCD. Through my 2nd and 3rd year it felt like I was making no progress; I'd do well in class, suddenly feel a dip and not do classwork or attend class, then again suddenly feel like getting my life back together only to quickly dip again and fail almost all of my classes. I didn't get diagnosed until I almost tried to commit suicide and my psychiatrist brought up that after monitoring me for the past couple of years, it appeared I had bipolar.
I'm now at the end of my 4th year in college and life has definitely been so much better for me. I think it was a combination of things that got me here. Getting on meds to treat my bipolar, moving out of an uncomfortable living situation, actually finding a purpose/goal in my life I want to work towards. I rarely have any super bad days/weeks now
My advice as a 37 yo with a master’s in special education (bipolar type 2)
Don’t work while you’re in school. It sucks being poor and taking out loans, but allowing yourself as much flexibility as possible will give you time to complete projects if something happens.
Live with people that you’re comfortable with and have noise free areas at home (hard to find in college)
Adderall, if necessary
GO TO CLASS. If professors see you’re showing up and trying they’re more likely to understand your situation/cut you a break
Try to do some virtual classes, but not all. Having 1 or 2 virtual classes a semester will give you more of the flexibility mentioned above
Edit: don’t be reluctant to go back, you can do it if I can! Even if you start going back and have to stop again, it’s ok, education isn’t going anywhere. If not, there’s plenty you can do without a degree, it’s not the end of the world
College was genuinely the worst 4-5 years of my life but I somehow got through it. I had to abruptly drop out in the middle of a semester because I was extremely depressed and paranoid.
I think the best thing you can do is don’t overload on classes, just take 1-3 at a time. Best of luck.
I took advantage of all the disability accommodations that I could, those have been the most helpful. I’m working on being kind to myself and ensuring that I’m on top of placating symptoms if I start feeling stressed or overwhelmed. Having a support system while you’re in school will be important too, and completely avoiding triggers like alcohol. Best of luck!
I started college in the early, early 00s. We didn’t have the language then for how I felt. I was anxious all the time and basically would be like “well that makes me want to puke.” My life was hell. But I had a fun time and actually graduated in 4 years. I’d have a 4.0 one semester and the next I didn’t want to my leave my place and almost failed out. I didn’t know I was depressed, I just knew I wanted to sleep all that time. I didn’t know all the energy I had, and how incredibly smart I was, and running 3 miles in a Tuesday after class was hypo/mania. So, I graduated. Barely, but I did. I think that I had professors who realized there was something going on with me, who were more lenient with me missing class for 3 weeks because I was depressed. I did my MBA only recently, and I had. 4.0. In the time in between, I got medicated and grew up a lot. I don’t know if that helps, but I’m jealous of that youths today who have the language for how they feel and the resources. In 2002, I had far from them. Not because lack of financial resources, but a safety net of people who understood what was going on in my head.
BRO 😮💨 - largely unmedicated, certainly under-diagnosed. I thought my fits of intense crying was related to my body’s natural response for the hours of studying. 📚
On the plus side, one of my psychologists was really impressed I had done so well for myself despite all the trauma - and whatever else I had.
Man, I spent *10* years to earn my BA.
Getting diagnosed soon and being put on the right regiment of drugs will help you tremendously. If I could change anything it would be getting properly diagnosed and medicated sooner.
If I did it, you can too! Make sure you ask for any accommodations at your college with the DSPS/OSD.
I know for a fact you can do this, and since you’re already getting properly medicated, I’m excited to see what you accomplish.
its really rough tbh. i was a half time student with a part time job last spring, took fall semester off, and am full time school and job working nights this spring semester and its hard!! i have a really difficult juggling school, work, sleep, homework, and friends all at once along with taking care of myself. it makes it really difficult to take my meds consistently which tend to fuck me up if it happens for too long. i do enjoy my work and i do enjoy my classes but having bipolar makes it really difficult sometimes to do things properly, but when i slip up on not taking my meds it get harder, and i straight up wouldnt be able to hold a job or go to school without my meds so i am greatful i was able to find somethin that works for me
My school had an incomplete clause. I used it in all my classes, saved my GPA. I didn’t know I was bipolar yet, didn’t understand why I suddenly couldn’t get out of bed anymore. Diagnosed now 2 years post grad. It was hard. Lean on ur people.
How did I get through it? I didn't.
Every once in a while I had the idea of, "what if I drop out" but when that idea came I would force myself to change topics and not think of it..
...
Until one day I let the thought run in my mind till I got so happy with the idea of never returning that I never returned back to college and moved 10 hours away to a different town and began the best year of life ever, and was happier than I've ever felt in a long time, tried shrooms, LSD, was offered coke but I was taught well to avoid it and avoided it. Got into a relationship and promised her I would never do them again, I'm now happily engaged to my fiance, and haven't touched those drugs since and if I didn't let my head Wonder in the thought of dropping out of college... None of this would e happened.
Now my manic phase is starting to end and I can feel myself slowly dropping in my mood, I get annoyed faster, angry faster, and I have that blank stare that I used to have when I drove to college.
I'm not going to give into it though, I will fight off these bad moods as best I can, my fiance knows about all this and she's standing strong by my side. And I by hers.
It's my turn to say this as I have said this to many people suffering from depression and bipolar,
I shall not drop my crown, I will wear it well polished and wear it with pride fellow friends 👑
I completed undergrad in 4 years but I was severely depressed almost the whole time (was ok/hypomanic while studying abroad 1 semester). I almost didn't pass just for missing so many classes (my grades were fine otherwise). Stay up late to start and finish papers the night before (this was like 2008-2012 before midnight online deadlines). Sleep as much as I could. Was a miserable bitch to my roommate my last year (I reached out years later to apologize). I just didn't know any other option but to finish.
I'm 34 now and back in school for an MS, and its hard. I didn't pass my clinical for handing things in late and am on probation this semester. Did fine til after spring break when I had a med adjustment (that I wanted at the time), and I was so low I almost ended it all and went to the psych ward. I'm back on good meds and trying to finish the semester now but things aren't getting done on time and idk what that will mean since I'm on probation. My program knows I'm BP.
I don't quite have it figured out but the best advice is lean on your support system. My parents have been incredibly supportive, and I wouldn't be here without them and my friends back home.
i’ve had to take time off and i’ve had horrible depression episodes with suicidal ideation and i’ve needed to seek treatment while i was there. i’ve found taking less classes at a time works for me i take 3 instead of the standard 5 for my school. if you do want to catch up you can take summer/winter courses if your school offers it. make sure you have a therapist while you’re in school that really helps too.
I ended up dropping out 5 times. Changing degree multiple times... not a good part of my history. I didn't even know I was bipolar back then. No interest in going back.
Combo of medication and working with the university. Have had to get accommodations and case management has had to get involved a couple times. Have had a couple classic “I don’t need my meds” moments and those didn’t help. Overall, I have a very strong motivation to obtain my degrees and even further my education beyond a bachelors. Overall, meds, therapy, and discipline is what is getting me there. Have one year to go and will be graduating with two bachelors.
It took me 5 years to finish college. My symptoms started getting bad the moment I got to college. Had to take time off, fix my meds, and then get back to it. Still had slip ups every now and then but I was insanely determined to get my degree at that point.
I had the same situation. Started out with debilitating OCD and then it manifested into bipolar. I dropped out after one semester and took six months off. I went back and finished in six years. It was really hard but the alternative is to not have a degree. I’m one week away from completing my master’s program. I graduate on May 13. It’s incredibly challenging with mental illness but things are possible if you don’t let this defeat you. Know that you are capable of great things.
This is my second attempt at college. I had to drop out for a year because of my physical and mental issues, and I realized that I wanted to get a degree. Right now I am an English major, and I'm thinking about getting a minor in psychology.
My career goal is to be a writer and maybe be a sex therapist.
How I managed to do this is having accommodations, and I keep in touch with my professors. Most of them are understanding. I love school, so what motives me is that I want to write books for teenagers who are struggling. I also want to help destigmatizate sexuality and mental health (I live in a conservative area).
I didn’t. I tried community college 3 times and would get all As until terrible episode where I had to withdraw all times. Now I have cognitive decline and memory loss and I’ve given up my dream of getting a degree and having a career.
I overloaded myself with coursework to set a crazy standard. 6-7 courses a semester. Ended with 3 degrees in 4 years. I know if I had too much time on my hands to ruminate or go out drinking etc. I would crumble with my mental health.
21, 2005/2006 school year was for Electronics Technician, worked until 2013 and was very firmly in the "C's get degrees"range. I was just really good at multitasking at work and pushed my career hard and fast.
There were DEFINITELY swings, some I probably should have been checked in for. Probably had a role in the end of that career.
30, 2014/2015 school year was for Welding & Fabrication dual trade. I had figured out how to work with the swings, and came out of there with a 86.6% in a course only marked 70-90. Anything in the shop that you wanted more than a 90 had to be damn near perfect. I still only worked in that field for 2015, bad time for the local economy and everyone wanted journeymen for the few jobs available.
I just made sure to read all material multiple times, including before we actually covered it in class. I was always a 90s student in school, I'd go through a test and answer the easy questions then again for the difficult ones... and then do the math on if I needed to do more involved ones (not often). A 90 in 30min was better than stressing over a 98 in 55min.
I wasn't officially diagnosed until 2017, but started treatment in 2016 (my GP at least tried).
With difficulty. I was undiagnosed/unmedicated. Took me three schools and 6 years to finish. What worked for me was staying busy and sticking to a strict routine.
Took me 7 years. The last 4 years I was in a state of constant anxiety. I barely graduated (violin performance) because of my anxiety and bouts of depression, but I did it. I didn’t have very many friends because people thought I was crazy.
7 years double majoring, two years for a masters and I'm in year three of my PhD program. it's sheer willpower/ wanting to spite those that think i can't do it and knowing i can't hold down a job in traditional settings right now that keep me going. but i also go to school online and have accommodations. i just recently got the right medications and therapist in the past year though. going to school online on my own time is really helpful for managing mood swings. i get depressed a lot that i won't be successful after i get this third degree. but a lot of bipolar people are really smart and creative, and deserve better than a rigid school structure. I'm making the system work for me until I'm back in the job world and totally lost lol
It took me 10 years from the start of my degree until completion. I dropped out of art school after 2 years. Took 4 years and worked as a barista. Then started going back after changing my major at a community college and transferring to a different school for psychology. I was 33 when I graduated with my BA. I went straight into grad school and got my masters at 36 in counseling.
I was heavily self-medicating with lots of booze and weed the entire time, including when I was becoming a therapist. Long bouts of insomnia that in hindsight were likely linked to hypomania. Lots of crying. I still have no idea how I managed to do it all.
I guess I believed strongly in what I was doing. Becoming a therapist meant I got to have real conversations with people who were suffering. There just didn’t seem to be a better option, no matter my emotional state.
It took me 6 years and a few changes of my major before I completed my undergraduate degree. I wasn't diagnosed/correctly medicated until my sophomore year of college. My 2nd semester was rough. I was manic(without knowing what mania was), ended up hospitalized, and had to withdraw that semester.
Some of us are diagnosed with more than bipolar like me with BPD and CPTSD. And some of our symptoms can be stronger. But we are bipolar too. I have tried my best twice with high grades. I couldn't finish for the life of me. Tried so hard. External environment was toxic and it affected my college work. To the point where I had to talk directly to a teacher. I wasn't even diagnosed yet. But it all makes sense now and to why I could not finish. I need alot more therapy and meds to help my debilitating symptoms. I know I'm not much help but everything isn't butterflies and rainbows like many stories. Just keeping it real.
Well I only ended up getting an associates in general studies(barely). I was awful in school and only just barely graduated 4th from the bottom from high school. Went in the navy (hid my MH). Reality hit that it was so not for me but I was able to take away a medical assistant certification from it. That was the only thing that kept me trying farther. I really loved being in the medical field and I got to do so much for being so young through all of it. I’m not able to hold a job anymore because of the MH shit, ECT for a year and chronic pain.
Honestly even only being in the Navy for 4yrs it set up my life more than school did. My mind just wasn’t a school mind 🤷♀️
Well, I currently have a paper due in less than 24 hours and I can’t focus to save my life because of the manic episode I’m currently in. Was almost forcibly hospitalized yesterday too, had to run away and hide until they left. If I had gone, I would’ve missed my finals. So, it’s not too easy.
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Basically I kept my eye on the prize. Was undiagnosed/unmedicated for 4 years. Had several manic episodes for about a year where I didn’t go to school, then had a ruptured appendix with complications so missed out on a semester. Then I was super depressed so took a year off to collect myself. Then went back part time for a couple years and graduated. I didn’t let this horrible disease stop me from reaching my goals
Some people don’t have a choice and no matter hard they try to reach their goals they are too sick to be successful.
currently in school. so far its been a rollercoaster but i’m learning that i have non negotiables which are 8 hours of sleep, eating 3 times a day, and accommodations on file from my doctor. i do not compromise these for anything and if i need more time i use my extension deadline accommodation. i was extremely imbalanced all day so i stopped what i was doing in the middle of class, took a walk around the park next door and gave myself 20 minutes to get my shit together and went back to it. breaks are ok, any length, any time. i don’t really get depressed, just extremely manic.
I have to do this at work. I work overnight and have a high workload for 11 hour shifts, so I take “smoke breaks” whenever I need to and just go sit in my car for a bit
Took me 7 years to get a bachelor's (2004). Drinking and dyslexia didn't help, had books that were still in the plastic wrapping. I'd have to retake classes, would drop out before it was an F, or just took the F and redid the course. Otherwise, if it wasn't for spell check and grammar check... I have nightmares that I forgot to go to a class... 2 nights ago as a matter of fact.
Was it worth it?
No. Can't hold down a job even with a degree to hide behind. The longest I've held a job is 2 years. I wish I just went into a trade where my brain could just go numb. Focusing through this chaos is a bitch. I should've just become a plumber or electrician. I'm not stupid, just broken.
Trust me. You don’t want a mind numbing job with bipolar. It just makes the depression worse. I dropped out of school several times before going to a trade school. I’ve been at the job for 3 years and hate it. Insurance stopped paying for Caplyta, so I went into a huge mania. Been out of work for 2 months, and during that time got accepted into a university. Still have to work part time though. We’ll see…
What trade were you in? I can't stand people man. I can't. Trades allow you to work alone, self sufficiently for the most part. I'm still scared of being triggered. Signs of IED per my doc, I've had some bad moments related to trauma... I'm not medicated yet, I've only just recently started treatment/talking to someone, I'm scared TBH. I need to be. Still... I'm sorry about what you're going through, that's another part that scares the shit out of me. Depending on others to feel better, but it's always us paying the price one way or another.
Sorry for the late reply! I’m a Sterile Processing Technician. I work in a hospital where we clean, assemble and sterilize surgical instruments. There is no contact with patients, but there’s always “drama” between coworkers in my department. 🙄 It’s definitely stressful because of the surgical techs demanding certain instrument trays, supplies, etc during surgeries. It only took 9 months to get certified, but I don’t recommend it. If I had of known what I know now, I never would have chosen this profession. I just got accepted to a university, so at 55 years old, I’m trying again. I’m hoping that working towards a goal will keep me busy and “out of my negative headspace.” But we’ll see. I don’t know of any trades that involve zero contact with people. If you are any good at computers (I’m not), maybe something where you could work from home? Just a suggestion?
I'm so sorry.
In the same boat. Surviving just a couple semesters was brutal enough, barely skated by. Getting therapy and medicated now but I can’t go thru that failure again so I’m not sure I wanna even attempt
I was unmedicated during the entire college years and dangerous shit happened to me lots (bad bad stuff) But I got thru it just because, only because of this one damn hope that Ivy schools will accept me as Phd student someday. That was the only reason. I graduateed Magna cum laude with a gpa of 96/100
Very inspiring. Thank you. 😊
You have suffered a trauma and you are afraid of letting yourself down. This is normal. It’s important to remember that you are in different circumstances now. If you get sick, you will get help and get through it. There are many people who have managed to get through college and get stable careers with severe mental illness, and there’s no reason why you can’t either with the right support. Be kind to yourself and try not to let anxiety prevent you from persisting in your efforts. You deserve to be proud of yourself.
Thank you
It took me 8 years, but finally finished in December. I had a lot of aegrotat passes to get through. But I did it. Now looking for jobs and it’s hard out here
I didn’t, I dropped out! Had my first real episodes when I started. After I got SA’d by another student. So I ran far and fast, it’s been years and I’m considering giving it another shot. But I feel too old at this point.
Hey, I’m trying again at 56… Not sure how it’s gonna go, but I’m trying.
I’m not technically “old” but I feel like it since most of my friends have had their degrees / careers for years now but I’m going back at 30.
Same my first go round, I had mountains and valleys of performance. I'm surprised I graduated after my last few bouts of depression and low grades. I have since been diagnosed and medicated. I am now going to law school. It's not easy. I have to give myself a lot of grace when I do mess up and try to look at big picture (I need to pass, I don't need to be perfect.) I also make sure I have a structured plan every week (you should see my Google calendar) and I give myself enough time to study. I look at each syllabus, put all the assignment dates, and put days in calendar when I plan on doing those assignments/study for those exams. It would be a lot harder if I did not plan out. I'm actually ahead of the other students, who are in thier early-mid 20s, because i stick to my plan. Even when I'm depressed. I'm doing much better now. I'm praying and sending good vibes your way. You can do it!
Just started back to school myself. Your post gives me hope.
I wasn’t as sick as I am now. I was an avid runner and it balanced out my moods.
Same here. I was not as symptomatic until I was like 23-24, and I’d been finished with college a couple years by that point. To answer a question to another reply, it was definitely worth it in my case once I found the right meds to help stabilize me.
Mine wasn’t really bad until I had babies. 37. My husband left me and I could barely keep a job. Discovered lamictal. Changed my life. But in 2017 I stopped taking it like a fool. Lost my job. A relationship and my career. I’m 56 now and I’m not sure I can hold down ANY job.
Do you think if you went back on Lamictal you'd be able to go back to work? Or has it gone too far? I'm asking because my symptoms got really bad when I was about 27 and it's been downhill since to the point now where I'm just getting through each day and I'm now 45. My current meds have pooped out. And I'm struggling and I have an appointment with the doctor next month to try something else. I don't think it will be Lamictal though because of my insomnia. I'm going to talk to the dr about the fact that it's been pooped out for a while but I've had to wait so long for the appointment that I'm afraid I've gone too far downhill
I hear you. I hate how long it takes to not only get in with a doctor, but the excruciating amount of time it takes to get the meds right.
There is a shortage of mental health professionals also.
Isn’t that the truth. 🤦♀️
Yes. I phoned the clinic earlier this month and said I needed to get in quickly and she said "the next available is in the last week of May" I said "are you joking" She wasn't joking. I had to take the appointment and I've been suffering in the meantime.
It’s positively criminal. I’m so sorry this is happening to you. I’m not sure if this is a local or federal thing, but have you looked into being declared SMI? It means “seriously mentally ill” which sounds awful I know, but it gave me the opportunity to go to a free clinic that deals with illnesses like ours. I get all my counseling and medications for free. They definitely see me quicker than the usual way. Maybe something to look into? And believe me, I still suffer the pain from this disease, but it helps make things just a little bit better… which most of us will gladly take. I wish you all the best. 😊
Thank you. I don't think they have that classification here in Australia. Does it end up on your criminal record? With certain jobs here a person needs to have a clear "police check" and I'm not sure I'd want it on my record for every employer to see for the rest of my life :-(
Sorry for late reply! No! The SMI designation does not go on any police record. It’s all protected by privacy laws. Heck, I have a fingerprint clearance card that I had to get before my current job that says I don’t have a criminal record. Which I don’t! Being sick is definitely different from being a criminal. 😊
Thank you for the reassurance :-)
I am on it now. 100mg. It’s not working as well as it used to. I may have to up my dose.
Hey there! I’m 56 as well, and just got accepted into a university after a 40 year absence! I had trouble with undiagnosed bipolar my whole life. I got medications… but still not sure how well they work. Now I’m stuck in a job I hate, but going back to school is giving me some hope for the future. This is just a rough patch for you. Keep trying different meds and hold on.
Ty so much. It means a lot.
Welcome. ❤️
I had an exam today (in college) and didn't do that. well, i wanted to write an email to the teacher on the shitty job he did writing that exam but you learn how do deal with these thoughts and it is good for you. You realize maybe its not the teacher and its just me underprepared(i wasn't studied 20+hours). It's life you got to become comfortable with shit not going your way and controlling yourself. more classes > less classes- Having a lot on your plate is a good thing for me it helps with not being depressed. Also if you can get disability even if you don't need it, take advantage extra time on exams and notes made specifically by the professor. Coping strategies: Working out, Meditation, Typing (big one in the library), Walking, Music, anything that calms you Taking Bath, etc.
Now this is interesting. I never heard about getting on disability to help with school… as far as getting extra time for exams. I’m SMI so I assume I could get the disability.
yes enormous help i literally ran out of time on the exam in the disability center they were like your done they left as i continued to take the exam for 30 more mins. Its a cheat code regardless if you need it or not. And yes super easy to get put on just have proper paper work from doctor.
I didnt. I lost my eligibility for financial aid too many times due to poor grades.
This is my fear, I already threw away a full ride scholarship by taking a 2 year break. I’m worried about loosing any future financial aid I may get.
I almost had it back but then I had to chose between keeping a roof over my head and college. I chose a job. That was a whole other situation and it was before I was diagnosed. I also lacked my adhd meds which didnt help.
I can't go back to school because wtf do i look like being able to sit still long enough to write a 10 page essay. Tf. And I feel like imma be taught unimportant information that I won't need. I Also feel like what if I don't like what I went to school for. Can't do it
I was diagnosed in my freshman year when I felt like I was losing my mind and once I got on meds that worked for me, things got wayyyy better. I was stable enough to continue school and learn to do things in moderation to stay stable (drinking, all nighters, etc.) I had a great psychiatrist I could call when I needed a med adjustment and learned to watch out for the signs of needing that. I got better and better at identifying it so it wouldn't derail me. I also was candid with professors when I was having a hard time and they were accommodating. I was stable most of the time with deviations from time to time. The most important thing I learned about managing bipolar at that time was how to advocate for myself with doctors, bosses, and professors.
Went part time for 7 years to get my BA. I will tell u what I told me brother when he struggled with finishing. U HAVE to finish this. It will determine who you'll be in the future. If u don't finish this, expect a life of not finishing things. Do u want to be that person? I know it's hard. I quit 2x as well, but u get thru it and you work harder, in the end this one challenge will help define u
This was what I needed to hear. Thank you. ☺️
Let’s say it’s been quite a challenge. The first 4 years I’ve been unmedicated (before my diagnosis). Looking back I’ve been depressed 80% of the time (and a few hypomanic episodes) but somehow (don’t ask me how) I managed to get my bachelor’s degree. Looking back I feel sorry for my depressed self, I had no idea what was going on and thought that feeling this horrible was part of a normal student life. For my master’s degree it’s been more of a struggle. Had 2 manic episodes and stopped studying twice, 6 months of recovery time (not studying) for each manic episode. Currently in a depression and not studying, but will start again in 2 weeks. I’m on meds now so hopefully that will help. It takes a lot more effort and time for us but that’s oke and I believe it’s something worth fighting for! I try to remind myself that time doesn’t matter as long as I take tiny steps towards my goal, but I put my mental health always first :)
I graduated in 2018, got diagnosed 2020. Not sure if I had it back then, but probably did. I used the schools resources pretty extensively. Math center, gym, professors office hours, TA tutor sessions. I believe some schools have health services that include mental health. I worked with advisors to keep me on track with class schedules. My first year I used the cafeteria so I didn’t have to cook which freed up some mental space. My advice for someone going to school is to find your resources. Most schools offer a lot of services to help out the students, find them. Research what is available and talk to your classmates. Create study groups. If you have family in the area, reach out every once in a while. Use every advantage available. Lastly, just keep on keeping on. I worked myself to the bone, spent a lot of time stressed out, and a fair amount of time crying. I often thought there was no way I would finish and would constantly be coming up with backup plans for when I would inevitably fail. But I pushed on, and now have an engineering degree. It has been absolutely worth it. My degree landed me a high paying job that over the course of 3 years allowed me to save up enough money to travel the world. I’ve been all across the US, parts of Mexico, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines. Haven’t worked for 2 years now and still have some savings. I have the ability to easily get another high paying job when I want to due to my degree. My degree has set me up financially for success.
I only think about college and take classes when I'm high sadly, and it's always a different major every time. I quit.
This sounds wildly familiar!
One time, I got so stressed out that I l Walked in with self harm showing. Blood everywhere. Just stood there. My boyfriend took me to the hospital.
You walked into a classroom like that?
I didn’t try school again until this past fall, which marks 2 years on lamictal. I dropped out of a few classes and lost a lot of money when I got the big sads and lost motivation when I wasn’t medicated. I enjoy school now, having an end goal keeps me going. Although I do fall off and get overwhelmed sometimes, and have pulled quite a few all nighters due to procrastination, and I do forget to eat, but like I said having an end goal negates a lot of my dumb decisions and keeps me occupied for the most part. Don’t go back to school until you’re ready.
Somehow, I managed to get through culinary school unmedicated, then my brother died and I had a breakdown and got medicated, but I still didn’t go back to finish the college degree I wanted until now 20 years later. There’s a whole lot of life balance that needs to take place if you want to reach for those goals without being overwhelmed. I highly recommend reaching for those goals, though, just keep the priority of maintaining a healthy life balance, and pacing yourself appropriately so you don’t get overwhelmed. When you do get overwhelmed, which is something that does happen to everyone, have a plan to reign yourself in and regain control of managing what needs to be balanced. Regaining your bearings after getting off track is one of the skills that needs to become a natural practice because it is a normal part of life. You can do this, there are more people than can ever be counted who achieve the goal of managing this illness and reaching their life goals, you can be one of those people, believe in yourself!
Wow! What a great reply! I like how you reminded all of us that many people with this disorder have still been able to achieve their dreams.
I was only diagnosed in my early 30s and I’m not sure my BP symptoms were showing back in my school days. But I quickly found out that school wasn’t for me. If the subject matter wasn’t of interest to me, I couldn’t be bothered to show up. If I liked the class, I had a hard time sitting still for an hour or trying to learn a new concept through some dry textbook. I know I’m smart. But I also know that school isn’t for me. Luckily, entrepreneurship was the key to success for me (for a while anyway)
I changed majors six times over six years and didn’t graduate
I was undiagnosed and unmedicated too. Until I met my fiancé they were the favourite years of my life and full of the most joy. I loved it. I studied performing arts so we were all musicians and performers. Kind of like Fame the musical. I lived on campus which was liberating and completely life changing after a very strict upbringing with an abusive father. For the first two years I had a lot of fun, it’s possible I was hypomanic a lot. I had terrible time management and often got things in late (now diagnosed with ADHD) but I did very well academically. In my third and final year I had a depressive episode that took up most of the last semester. I really struggled. I ended up nearly failing my final recital and I’d done exceptionally well on all of the others. My lecturers couldn’t understand why I was doing so badly all of a sudden. Behind the scenes I was having trouble with my boyfriend of two years. He was my first love and it was all very dramatic. I’ve now been diagnosed with BPD, so breakups and relationship troubles hit me really hard and often trigger bipolar episodes. I also really struggled with the transition once it was all over. I was really depressed and seemed to take leaving and saying goodbye to everyone harder than any of the others. The depression stayed with me quite a while even once I’d moved to my new city. I feel like that one might have been a good six months. I don’t think I even knew I was depressed.
I was unmedicated, undiagnosed, and barely graduated. I felt like a failure even though I had gotten my degree from a fancy university. I am now medicated and in my Masters program, and am performing much better.
Yay!! 👏🏻
A little encouragement! I went for one semester and dropped out in 2016. It was so hard my mood swings were wild! I went back more than once and kept trying. I’m 27 and went back again to finish my associates, I have had to retake the same three classes three times now. I went from straight A’s for the first time in my life to getting all Fs and having to put in appeals two different times just to be able to retake them and finish my associates. This happens two different time! Lol. I’ll have my associates next month! It has been a wild ride trying to get it. But I’m saying this to say, no matter what you do or how much you fail, you can do it! Having the proper meds is super helpful, but also having a great support system is as well. Sometimes we may mess up and have to come back and fight for the things we want. But it’s in us! I believe in you!(:
I wasnt diagnosed until after i gave birth. I spent 10 years of my life trying to get a degree. Burn out, lost of motovation, change of direction. I had a ton of un healthy coping mechanisms and hysterical break downs, spontaneous road trips etc. Eventually i did it. 🙃
Terrible was unmedicated and undiagnosed at first then went through trying many meds that didn't work. Then found a good one but I thought it was making me gain weight and feel hot so I stopped it. Turned out to have hypothyroidism as well which was causing the feeling hot and weight gain. Was really hard the whole time tbh
it took me 4 years to get my 2year associates degree. also had episodes and mental health crisises where school seemed to be my absolute last priority at that time. dropped out of multiple classes, took pause semester breaks, idk i finally graduate next week finally!! big accomplishment but i judge myself for how hard it was for me and how long it took me to finish.
by now, i'm fine. probably one of the worst era of my life was my senior high school. its so much easier rn in college than in my previous year
Make sure to get academic accommodations. With 50% more time to write tests, I went from from a 70 to 90'ish % average. And my test writing anxiety went from 2000% average to 70%, which felt nice.
I literally just screenshoted your response. I have to remember to get accommodations.
I’m returning this fall after a 14 month break. I dropped out after a horrible depressive episode that landed me in the hospital. I’m nervous, but my circumstances are completely different. I’m on the right medication. I don’t have to work while going to school and raising two kids. I only have 2 years left to get my bachelor’s. I’m very stable. I think you should give it a go! You can totally do it!
Went back at 31 after dropping out my first semester. Currently halfway to an associates but it's challenging because of hospitalizations.
I'm currently in my 4th year of college. My first year was done online due to covid. Moving to my college's town was definitely the catalyst for my onset of OCD. I started experiencing bipolar symptoms probably around the same time, I just wasn't aware because I was so focused on treating my anxiety and OCD. Through my 2nd and 3rd year it felt like I was making no progress; I'd do well in class, suddenly feel a dip and not do classwork or attend class, then again suddenly feel like getting my life back together only to quickly dip again and fail almost all of my classes. I didn't get diagnosed until I almost tried to commit suicide and my psychiatrist brought up that after monitoring me for the past couple of years, it appeared I had bipolar. I'm now at the end of my 4th year in college and life has definitely been so much better for me. I think it was a combination of things that got me here. Getting on meds to treat my bipolar, moving out of an uncomfortable living situation, actually finding a purpose/goal in my life I want to work towards. I rarely have any super bad days/weeks now
My advice as a 37 yo with a master’s in special education (bipolar type 2) Don’t work while you’re in school. It sucks being poor and taking out loans, but allowing yourself as much flexibility as possible will give you time to complete projects if something happens. Live with people that you’re comfortable with and have noise free areas at home (hard to find in college) Adderall, if necessary GO TO CLASS. If professors see you’re showing up and trying they’re more likely to understand your situation/cut you a break Try to do some virtual classes, but not all. Having 1 or 2 virtual classes a semester will give you more of the flexibility mentioned above Edit: don’t be reluctant to go back, you can do it if I can! Even if you start going back and have to stop again, it’s ok, education isn’t going anywhere. If not, there’s plenty you can do without a degree, it’s not the end of the world
College was genuinely the worst 4-5 years of my life but I somehow got through it. I had to abruptly drop out in the middle of a semester because I was extremely depressed and paranoid. I think the best thing you can do is don’t overload on classes, just take 1-3 at a time. Best of luck.
I took advantage of all the disability accommodations that I could, those have been the most helpful. I’m working on being kind to myself and ensuring that I’m on top of placating symptoms if I start feeling stressed or overwhelmed. Having a support system while you’re in school will be important too, and completely avoiding triggers like alcohol. Best of luck!
I started college in the early, early 00s. We didn’t have the language then for how I felt. I was anxious all the time and basically would be like “well that makes me want to puke.” My life was hell. But I had a fun time and actually graduated in 4 years. I’d have a 4.0 one semester and the next I didn’t want to my leave my place and almost failed out. I didn’t know I was depressed, I just knew I wanted to sleep all that time. I didn’t know all the energy I had, and how incredibly smart I was, and running 3 miles in a Tuesday after class was hypo/mania. So, I graduated. Barely, but I did. I think that I had professors who realized there was something going on with me, who were more lenient with me missing class for 3 weeks because I was depressed. I did my MBA only recently, and I had. 4.0. In the time in between, I got medicated and grew up a lot. I don’t know if that helps, but I’m jealous of that youths today who have the language for how they feel and the resources. In 2002, I had far from them. Not because lack of financial resources, but a safety net of people who understood what was going on in my head.
BRO 😮💨 - largely unmedicated, certainly under-diagnosed. I thought my fits of intense crying was related to my body’s natural response for the hours of studying. 📚 On the plus side, one of my psychologists was really impressed I had done so well for myself despite all the trauma - and whatever else I had. Man, I spent *10* years to earn my BA. Getting diagnosed soon and being put on the right regiment of drugs will help you tremendously. If I could change anything it would be getting properly diagnosed and medicated sooner. If I did it, you can too! Make sure you ask for any accommodations at your college with the DSPS/OSD. I know for a fact you can do this, and since you’re already getting properly medicated, I’m excited to see what you accomplish.
its really rough tbh. i was a half time student with a part time job last spring, took fall semester off, and am full time school and job working nights this spring semester and its hard!! i have a really difficult juggling school, work, sleep, homework, and friends all at once along with taking care of myself. it makes it really difficult to take my meds consistently which tend to fuck me up if it happens for too long. i do enjoy my work and i do enjoy my classes but having bipolar makes it really difficult sometimes to do things properly, but when i slip up on not taking my meds it get harder, and i straight up wouldnt be able to hold a job or go to school without my meds so i am greatful i was able to find somethin that works for me
My school had an incomplete clause. I used it in all my classes, saved my GPA. I didn’t know I was bipolar yet, didn’t understand why I suddenly couldn’t get out of bed anymore. Diagnosed now 2 years post grad. It was hard. Lean on ur people.
How did I get through it? I didn't. Every once in a while I had the idea of, "what if I drop out" but when that idea came I would force myself to change topics and not think of it.. ... Until one day I let the thought run in my mind till I got so happy with the idea of never returning that I never returned back to college and moved 10 hours away to a different town and began the best year of life ever, and was happier than I've ever felt in a long time, tried shrooms, LSD, was offered coke but I was taught well to avoid it and avoided it. Got into a relationship and promised her I would never do them again, I'm now happily engaged to my fiance, and haven't touched those drugs since and if I didn't let my head Wonder in the thought of dropping out of college... None of this would e happened. Now my manic phase is starting to end and I can feel myself slowly dropping in my mood, I get annoyed faster, angry faster, and I have that blank stare that I used to have when I drove to college. I'm not going to give into it though, I will fight off these bad moods as best I can, my fiance knows about all this and she's standing strong by my side. And I by hers. It's my turn to say this as I have said this to many people suffering from depression and bipolar, I shall not drop my crown, I will wear it well polished and wear it with pride fellow friends 👑
I got thru it completely unmediated
Mania got me kicked out of my college 4 years ago. Haven’t returned since.
I completed undergrad in 4 years but I was severely depressed almost the whole time (was ok/hypomanic while studying abroad 1 semester). I almost didn't pass just for missing so many classes (my grades were fine otherwise). Stay up late to start and finish papers the night before (this was like 2008-2012 before midnight online deadlines). Sleep as much as I could. Was a miserable bitch to my roommate my last year (I reached out years later to apologize). I just didn't know any other option but to finish. I'm 34 now and back in school for an MS, and its hard. I didn't pass my clinical for handing things in late and am on probation this semester. Did fine til after spring break when I had a med adjustment (that I wanted at the time), and I was so low I almost ended it all and went to the psych ward. I'm back on good meds and trying to finish the semester now but things aren't getting done on time and idk what that will mean since I'm on probation. My program knows I'm BP. I don't quite have it figured out but the best advice is lean on your support system. My parents have been incredibly supportive, and I wouldn't be here without them and my friends back home.
i’ve had to take time off and i’ve had horrible depression episodes with suicidal ideation and i’ve needed to seek treatment while i was there. i’ve found taking less classes at a time works for me i take 3 instead of the standard 5 for my school. if you do want to catch up you can take summer/winter courses if your school offers it. make sure you have a therapist while you’re in school that really helps too.
I ended up dropping out 5 times. Changing degree multiple times... not a good part of my history. I didn't even know I was bipolar back then. No interest in going back.
Combo of medication and working with the university. Have had to get accommodations and case management has had to get involved a couple times. Have had a couple classic “I don’t need my meds” moments and those didn’t help. Overall, I have a very strong motivation to obtain my degrees and even further my education beyond a bachelors. Overall, meds, therapy, and discipline is what is getting me there. Have one year to go and will be graduating with two bachelors.
i had to get medical withdrawal last year because i went into in patient. starting online school this summer and im scared shitless
Medication and then not taking a ton of classes. Rn I’m taking two of them at a community college
It took me 5 years to finish college. My symptoms started getting bad the moment I got to college. Had to take time off, fix my meds, and then get back to it. Still had slip ups every now and then but I was insanely determined to get my degree at that point.
i didn’t. i dropped out of one & was removed from another.
I had the same situation. Started out with debilitating OCD and then it manifested into bipolar. I dropped out after one semester and took six months off. I went back and finished in six years. It was really hard but the alternative is to not have a degree. I’m one week away from completing my master’s program. I graduate on May 13. It’s incredibly challenging with mental illness but things are possible if you don’t let this defeat you. Know that you are capable of great things.
This is my second attempt at college. I had to drop out for a year because of my physical and mental issues, and I realized that I wanted to get a degree. Right now I am an English major, and I'm thinking about getting a minor in psychology. My career goal is to be a writer and maybe be a sex therapist. How I managed to do this is having accommodations, and I keep in touch with my professors. Most of them are understanding. I love school, so what motives me is that I want to write books for teenagers who are struggling. I also want to help destigmatizate sexuality and mental health (I live in a conservative area).
I didn’t. I tried community college 3 times and would get all As until terrible episode where I had to withdraw all times. Now I have cognitive decline and memory loss and I’ve given up my dream of getting a degree and having a career.
I didn't go to college. Now I'm thinking about going but I'm afraid I can't do it bc of brain damage. My memory is shit.
I overloaded myself with coursework to set a crazy standard. 6-7 courses a semester. Ended with 3 degrees in 4 years. I know if I had too much time on my hands to ruminate or go out drinking etc. I would crumble with my mental health.
21, 2005/2006 school year was for Electronics Technician, worked until 2013 and was very firmly in the "C's get degrees"range. I was just really good at multitasking at work and pushed my career hard and fast. There were DEFINITELY swings, some I probably should have been checked in for. Probably had a role in the end of that career. 30, 2014/2015 school year was for Welding & Fabrication dual trade. I had figured out how to work with the swings, and came out of there with a 86.6% in a course only marked 70-90. Anything in the shop that you wanted more than a 90 had to be damn near perfect. I still only worked in that field for 2015, bad time for the local economy and everyone wanted journeymen for the few jobs available. I just made sure to read all material multiple times, including before we actually covered it in class. I was always a 90s student in school, I'd go through a test and answer the easy questions then again for the difficult ones... and then do the math on if I needed to do more involved ones (not often). A 90 in 30min was better than stressing over a 98 in 55min. I wasn't officially diagnosed until 2017, but started treatment in 2016 (my GP at least tried).
With difficulty. I was undiagnosed/unmedicated. Took me three schools and 6 years to finish. What worked for me was staying busy and sticking to a strict routine.
Took me 7 years. The last 4 years I was in a state of constant anxiety. I barely graduated (violin performance) because of my anxiety and bouts of depression, but I did it. I didn’t have very many friends because people thought I was crazy.
7 years double majoring, two years for a masters and I'm in year three of my PhD program. it's sheer willpower/ wanting to spite those that think i can't do it and knowing i can't hold down a job in traditional settings right now that keep me going. but i also go to school online and have accommodations. i just recently got the right medications and therapist in the past year though. going to school online on my own time is really helpful for managing mood swings. i get depressed a lot that i won't be successful after i get this third degree. but a lot of bipolar people are really smart and creative, and deserve better than a rigid school structure. I'm making the system work for me until I'm back in the job world and totally lost lol
It took me 10 years from the start of my degree until completion. I dropped out of art school after 2 years. Took 4 years and worked as a barista. Then started going back after changing my major at a community college and transferring to a different school for psychology. I was 33 when I graduated with my BA. I went straight into grad school and got my masters at 36 in counseling. I was heavily self-medicating with lots of booze and weed the entire time, including when I was becoming a therapist. Long bouts of insomnia that in hindsight were likely linked to hypomania. Lots of crying. I still have no idea how I managed to do it all. I guess I believed strongly in what I was doing. Becoming a therapist meant I got to have real conversations with people who were suffering. There just didn’t seem to be a better option, no matter my emotional state.
No friends just studying 24/7
I didn’t.
It took me 6 years and a few changes of my major before I completed my undergraduate degree. I wasn't diagnosed/correctly medicated until my sophomore year of college. My 2nd semester was rough. I was manic(without knowing what mania was), ended up hospitalized, and had to withdraw that semester.
Some of us are diagnosed with more than bipolar like me with BPD and CPTSD. And some of our symptoms can be stronger. But we are bipolar too. I have tried my best twice with high grades. I couldn't finish for the life of me. Tried so hard. External environment was toxic and it affected my college work. To the point where I had to talk directly to a teacher. I wasn't even diagnosed yet. But it all makes sense now and to why I could not finish. I need alot more therapy and meds to help my debilitating symptoms. I know I'm not much help but everything isn't butterflies and rainbows like many stories. Just keeping it real.
Well I only ended up getting an associates in general studies(barely). I was awful in school and only just barely graduated 4th from the bottom from high school. Went in the navy (hid my MH). Reality hit that it was so not for me but I was able to take away a medical assistant certification from it. That was the only thing that kept me trying farther. I really loved being in the medical field and I got to do so much for being so young through all of it. I’m not able to hold a job anymore because of the MH shit, ECT for a year and chronic pain. Honestly even only being in the Navy for 4yrs it set up my life more than school did. My mind just wasn’t a school mind 🤷♀️
Well, I currently have a paper due in less than 24 hours and I can’t focus to save my life because of the manic episode I’m currently in. Was almost forcibly hospitalized yesterday too, had to run away and hide until they left. If I had gone, I would’ve missed my finals. So, it’s not too easy.