I want to quit school

I've been dealing with depression and anxiety for about 2 years. I talk wellbutrin and zoloft, and see a counselor when I want to and a psychiatrist every couple months for an update.

I'm in an accelerated masters program for Mechanical Engineering. I was supposed defend in March, but it was postponed to May, now it's postponed until the end of summer. I basically had to drop what I was working on for 1.5 years and go a different direction. I've always hated the field I'm in, not ME, but the specific area. With not liking the field, having to stay here for many more months, and dropping what I was working on I feel like I can't do it anymore. I haven't had a break to deal with this depression/anxiety. Sure I take pills and do a few things for it but haven't been able to face it head on. I feel like I won't produce quality work until I feel better. Everyone wants me to stay though, "I've already done so much" "I'm also there", but it's so hard to work. I have no motivation, I'm always tired, and I feel like my brain doesn't work. I don't know what to do. Dropping out sucks... But so does staying. Staying may be good in the long run, but what about my well being?

[AlexSZfutureRN]

Hey boxi, there are a couple ways I could see you dealing with this situation. First, is there a possibility of taking a leave of absence? I'm not sure what this would mean at your institution, but most can't refuse you medical/mental health leave with appropriate notice from your physician. I'd recommend speaking with the appropriate person, such as your mentor or dean, and explain where you're coming from. They should be able to give you more detailed options.

If that's not possible, is it possible to address these issues with minor changes to your current schedule? For example, could you spend more time per day or per week with your counselor and making other helpful changes? I know that I tend to decompensate when I sacrifice sleep for school and work. Talking to that trusted person and getting an extra hour of sleep a night can make things a good deal better.

You'll notice that I didn't tell you to drop out or not; personally, I feel that you're the only person who can answer that, the you that's feeling better. I think that making such a decision before taking this problem on could cause you to make less than trustworthy judgements about your situation, so tackle your health first.

I hope this helps even a little!

Alex

[Tobeapatientlad]

I am totally familiar with this. I've actually been taking an Aerospace engineering class for three years, and it's definitely come to points where I wanted to drop out all together. Even though a career in engineering isn't exactly what I'm looking for anymore, I think it's important to acknowledge other lessons that it's taught me.