Messing up education

[NicholassErr]

It's easy for most people to drop out and travel and find themselves or do whatever when there's money available. I've had lots of trouble with family and went through a really tough time. I don't live with parents anymore simply because they can't afford me. Now I'm under A LOT of pressure from other family members to get into a university and get a degree because they can't finance me much longer. I'm currently in a community college, first semester and I already screwed it up. Super bad attendance, having to retake classes etc. Like honestly I would really like to take a gap year and take some time off to get my shit together but I don't actually know how to. Family will probably disown me if I do that which will mean I'll be all on my own. I'm 17 and clueless and ugh I just don't know what to do anymore...

[MAS_Nurse]

Hi NicholassErr, Welcome to this community. Hopefully you find folks here have a wide range of experience of managing mental health problems either for themselves or a loved one. We are very empathic and supportive. Do check out our pinned posts section which has some useful information. Keep this link to Crisis support helplines handy, and to our free downloadable MH guides:

shawmindfoundation.org/supp...

shawmindfoundation.org/free...

there are some tailored to students too.

Have you spoken with your doctor about your problems, as you can access mental health advice and support. Also, the US ADA protects the rights of people with MH needs, and if you check out your college website, you may find a link to counsellors, and reasonable adjustments they can provide to support you in your studies.

OK folks over to you, can you offer any suggestions for Nicholas?

Take care, don't give up! Keep posting.

[hypercat54]

Just a thought but can you get a part time job to help out with the finances? You might be able to save a bit to get you started on your gap year. Once you have enough you can go but you would have to find work along the way. Few young people can afford not to do that so it is very common.

[Hidden]

I can honestly relate a little to your situation I mean, for me I had been under pressure from my parents to when I was going to look for a job... to even when to start drivers ed. i am 20 and still haven’t started these things Being an second year university student is becoming challenging as the months goes on. Being someone who suffer social anxiety and an ed is no walk in the park the thought of trying to maintain balance between classes and my mental health is becoming more impossible in managing. The thought of school, mental health and finding an job is extremely difficult. My advice to you would be perhaps focus upon classes now, Also know that the right timing will come where you will find that right job to make even an small living for the time being. Perhaps consider part-time when that timing comes that way you might even be too stress handling too much. Remember that you will grow. You are still young anyways don’t stress too much you will grow more confidently and wiser each day forward. Sometimes focusing on one main thing instead of worrying over two things sometimes is the best option. I wish you nothing but good things come your way. Everything is going to work out. I believe you got what it takes to succeed. Give all of this time and everything will fall into place eventually. I believe in you. X

[NicholassErr]

Thanks guys for being so supportive it’s actually really nice to see that someone cares and can be so empathetic. I’ll take it all into consideration and try to make a decision.

[sweetiepye]

It's simple really. You sign up for classes, you show up every class, you do the work required to the degree that you are passing. The next semester you do it again and you keep on until you have earned a degree. If you have financial problems you get a job. If you have health problems you see your counselor. You are accountable for yourself at this point Your parents and relatives don't owe you. Harsh answer isn't it, but the world is harsh and this is how you learn to survive it.Pam