I need some advice...

[HJam5880]

Does anyone have experience telling a professor about their mental health struggles? I want to tell my professor about my struggles now in case something comes up in this summer semester but I’m just not sure how to start the conversation, especially since it would be by email. In the past, my mental health has caused me to procrastinate until the last minute, but I have been able to complete all assignments on time and get good grades on them, but I’m tired of that happening.

[Rudolph26]

I have had to do this more than once with my professors. So, I get where you're coming from. It really depends on the professor honestly. My professors were always very understanding. I was just honest with them and told them I was dealing with a lot. In my case, it had to do with family. So, I would let them know that I may be late for certain assignments. I think the reason they didn't mind though was because I always turned in my work, even if it was late. And I always did well on my assignments as well. I think this spoke volumes to them and is likely why they were so understanding.

[HJam5880 in reply to Rudolph26]

Many of my classmates have jobs and children, and I have neither of those yet. They are perfectly fine while I’m over here struggling to get my assignments done, sometimes I feel like I’m creating the situation for myself when I know I’m not. I’m not really sure how my teacher will react, and that’s why I’m so hesitant to email her.

[Rudolph26 in reply to HJam5880]

I get that, but life gets busy even for the professors. If the professor is a good one, they would understand. Maybe if you wrote by saying how you more then likely will get the assignment done, but in the offset chance that it doesn't get completed, it likely is because something happened. If your'e consistent about messaging them before the assignment is due, then they will learn to trust you. Especially if you're a good student. but, I totally get why you would be anxious about that. I was too the first time I did it

[HJam5880 in reply to Rudolph26]

Thank you! You have helped so much!

[Rudolph26 in reply to HJam5880]

No problem! If you ever want to just talk to get something off your mind, don't hesitate to message me. I will never mind it Also, welcome!

[HJam5880 in reply to Rudolph26]

You can always message me too! I’m a great listener/reader lol 😂.

[Rudolph26 in reply to HJam5880]

Thanks! I will take you up on that sometime!

[HJam5880]

Thanks. I’ll try to send you something either later tonight, or tomorrow before I send it.

[HJam5880]

I sent you a message GiadaPeterson, did you get it?

[Years-of-solitude]

I never told any teacher and knowing the one I have now she is going to tell me that is not a big deal in front of the whole class

[HJam5880 in reply to Years-of-solitude]

I’ve had teachers like that. Right now I only have online classes, so that shouldn’t happen but I would be scared of that too.

[Years-of-solitude in reply to HJam5880]

I’m having online classes too and I’m having a big presentation tomorrow. I just keep telling my parents how awful I feel but their response is the same:” oh okay, tell me later how it goes”

[HJam5880 in reply to Years-of-solitude]

Good luck! I know how scary presentations can be but you’ve got this! Please let me know how it turns out. Do what you can before your presentation to help your anxiety from spiking. Such as, drink cold water, wash your face, listening to music, breathing exercises, meditation exercises. I hope you do well and I hope you can get the help you need in the future.

[Pineapple1986]

I had during my masters. She had the most amazing supportive response, set me up for a free consultation with a great Psyhologist and let me take an improvised online class with her so I don’t fall back behind the rest of the class while skipping another in person class of hers because I was a wreck. Grateful! You do need to talk. Good people will listen and understand. They will also help!

[HJam5880]

I emailed my professor late last night around midnight. It is now 2:25pm in my time zone and she still hasn’t responded but has sent all the students two other emails and notes regarding other things. I don’t know what I should do!