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[FortA]

Hello. I can't afford therapy anymore so decided to talk and listen here. I'm 50+ y-o and last year failed out of grad school after a trip home brought up many unfavorable memories. Had been working at it for 5 years, got into school, failed out in < 5 weeks. Anxiety and depression with other stuff added in just for fun. Changing my thinking and reactions but still get anxious and depressed thinking about school. I'm going to try again but that makes me a bit nauseated.

[JapaneseFuton]

So sorry about the education delay. Maybe you could return without losing any credits. I’ve returned three different times after many many years. Is the degree needed for employment or is for some other reasons? It’s never too late. I had a student in one of my classes who was 82. That really motivated me. I hope you get what you need.

[FortA in reply to JapaneseFuton]

Appreciate the feedback. The classes I took to get in are still good but most have a shelf life of 5 years as they want them taken recently. I plan to keep trying. I was just devastated at the set back and I still have self-doubt and pain. Thanks.

[sweetiepye]

I'm curious about your numbers. Five years for Grad School and how do you fail in 5 weeks? You should have an advisor helping you. Most schools don't like to see their students fail and by the time you are a graduate student you should know if you are capable of the work. Whatever you are doing in life such as school or a job you will have to do it with anxiety and depression. You can recover from mental issues, but you still have to live your life. I went through this and came out on the other side. Keep at it. You will be very glad you did. pam

[FortA in reply to sweetiepye]

Sorry for the confusion and lack of details. The 5 years were for different prerequisites as every graduate school has their own requirements. Some overlap, others do not. So to apply at 2 schools I took several classes that were the same for both and then some unique to each. As i was working I could only take 1 or 2 at a time-hence the 5 years. I plan to reapply (and to other schools as well-more prerequisites!) but I'll admit to suffering "once-bitten-twice-shy" syndrome. Thanks for the feedback.

[Esther228]

Hi there,

It sounds like you have been working very hard to try and get this schooling completed. Are you taking a break then from school to just try and relax? I’ve found that sometimes we just need to change what we are doing in order to start to feel better. What is your goal? Does completing your schooling mean a door opening for a new career? Or is this a personal goal?

I had to change jobs, a lot, when my sons were young, it was strictly for financial means. Each new job meant advancement in my career and more money to be able to take care of my family. It was stressful and I left a few jobs (and people) that I really was enjoying. I have to say though, that each job I took prepared me for the next opportunity, so it was really good, although a stretch for me mentally.

I like that you talk about changing your thinking and reactions. I pray about everything and try and see things in many aspects. To me, that has been the key to my success. I pray that you are able to overcome your emotions about school. You sound like an awful strong, determined, lady. I sure wish you the very best success at reaching your goal.

[FortA in reply to Esther228]

Thanks for the feedback. Having to push classes and unfortunately I do not learn as fast as I used to. Middle age appears to have slowed me down. I'm determined to change careers as it is needed for various reasons but it feels as if 2 steps forward, 1 step back. And this summer I'm really having a tough go in an 8 week stats class. Frustrated as school has changed, or I have, or both. BTW, thanks for the compliment but I'm a guy. :-0