Hi everyone, I was wondering if any of you out there suffer from depression or anxiety disorders and how you cope when your symptons start interfering with your education...I am, very openly, a person that struggles with Depression, Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Seasonal Affective Disorder. Another bout just hit me this week after I completed my requirements for my Associate's Degree. Now I'm feeling unmotivated and apathetic toward my goals. Does anyone else deal with these issues? I view them as a kind of speed bump on the path toward my goals, but I would rather not have this slow down my progress. Any advice or words of wisdom for me? Thanks to all Rhonda
Rhonda, First, CONGRADS on finishing your AS. Second, its not unusual to feel a lack of motivation after achieving a step in a goal. You probably did alot of work to get your Associates and now have to refocus on the BS/BA. I think the best thing to do is to try and remember what inspired you to persue your education. Remeber how that made you feel inside, and refocus that on your next step. Lastly, if nothing else works talk to your doctor. I think you have an excellent grasp on your issue because you know it is happening and knowledge is power, and in this case power over yourself!!! Good luck, keep your chin up, and go for it!!!! Lou
Hi Rhonda, Keep at it! Take it from someone who has anxiety/hyperactivity problems as well (just in case you couldn't tell by the way I form my posts ; it may be hard to focus at times (more often than not), but if you keep re-telling and re-emphasizing to yourself why you want the degree, you'll get through it. I know exactly what you are going through, I am extremely apprehensive about starting up my Master's pursuit again because it didn't go so well last time; but I know what I want to do and having a Master's is a minimum requirement. I give myself no choice, no excuses, and keep at it. Posting on this board helps quite a bit since you can see the accomplishments of others who have obtained a higher education, support, and great advice. You'll get there, and congrats on the A.S degree!! It's a great first credential and a stepping stone to higher educational attainment.
Rhonda, you just completed a goal that you have been working towards for some time now. Sometimes this can leave you feeling like you've accomplished something with nothing but good thoughts and emotions....sometimes, when you define yourself in the challenge of your work, you can find yourself adrift, without purpose....and sometimes you feel good old fashioned burnout. I can relate to the burnout. If you suffer from depression, then perhaps burnout is triggering your most recent bout. I suggest taking a break. A couple of weeks of "me" time, watching movies you like, spoiling yourself with the ice cream you deny yourself, maybe a nice meal or two....but set a deadline and then get back on it. Note: I am not a medical doctor, nor do I play one on T.V. I am not qualified to give medical or psychological advice. But I have experienced burnout...and the above advice worked on me. Thanks for playing...have a nice day.
You must eat more than just one or two meals for two weeks! And not just ice cream! Best of luck to you, congrats on your Associate's, & keep us posted on how you are. Janko Carthage must be destroyed.
Hi Rhonda, I think I sense what you are describing here - that "let down" after the big goal has been met and also the "end of semester" feelings as a distance student. Remember that we are on the front edge of this phenomenon; I don't think too many researchers have yet picked up on what it's like to spend a semester (of whatever length) with "cyber-classmates" meeting "cyber-teacher" assignments, only to log off at the end of the term, see the grade and hear the silence. It's enough to get a little down over, really. Look at it this way: if you had not been enjoying the work and the learning experience, you wouldn't feel regret when it ended, right? It's almost like a wistful feeling I am getting just now, checking my final grade (500/500 points, no complaints there!) and realizing "I'm DONE." Another classmate posted to our discussion board how that student felt about the semester and I then realized we all (40 students) had never met, and had no real reason to express these feelings to one another. Yet we did. Plus, in two days we'll be at the shortest day of the year and so far, this winter is brutal (I'm in Virginia.) All very understandable. Maybe we need to send suggestions to our schools to incorporate some kind of "closing ceremony" into online classwork...what do you think? Best Wishes!
I can relate to how burnout can trigger depression especially after an extended period of intense mental fatigue. Often the stress acts as a motivator but as soon as the high-intensity work ends the brain has a difficult time re-orienting itself to a more relaxed mode of operation. If the feelings of depression continue for more than a few days, see a doctor immediately. You do not want your career dreams ruined having worked so hard to earn your associate degree. I have been there and am recovering day by day.
Hi Rhonda, I have been diagnosed with clinical depression and I have a great deal of test anxiety. I am fairly open about it (I don't shout it from the mountain tops, but I don't hide it, either). I agree w/Longwaytogo. Your current bout after completing your recent degree is not unusual. I've heard from folks that do not suffer from depression that they get a bit down after the elation of completeing a big goal. The reason may be the gain of the goal is seen as losing the social connectedness or a loss of a hurdle. It could also be the gain of the goal gives you time to reflect on the next phase. I don't really know. I went through a week or two of the BLAHs after each degree, after my CFP(r), and after the splenectomy (Kinda sorta but not exactly some version of post-partum, I guess). Don't fight the urge to re-evaluate your goals. Likely you will find they are still valid and stronger than ever. Possibly you may find they changed a bit, and that is OK as well. I think it's healthy that you identified the issue and are willing to grab it by the horns. Knowing it's there gives you power over it. If you'd like to continue this off-board, please feel free to email me through the private message function.
As pioneers we are indeed exploring unchartered territory. In on-campus classes you are surrounded by other students and derive motivation and satisfaction therefrom. The distance learning world often means we are alone despite being in a cyber-classroom with other students. Remember, you can tell your grandchildren you graduated university and earned that degree without attending a campus. Take some time to relax and enjoy the accomplishment. You deserve to kick back.
Great words of wisdom have been posted by members of this board; the support here is truly inspiring. Not much I can add to that but... something Frank Herbert once wrote comes to mind: "humans can balance on strange surfaces. Even on unpredictable ones. It's called 'getting in tune'. Great musicians know it. Surfers . . . knew it. Some waves throw you, but you're prepared for that. You climb back up and go at it once more." So it is with our goals in life; the wave that throws you or the speed bump that slows you down serves a purpose; getting to "know thyself". Orient yourself and keep on truckin Good luck to you! Susanna
You might find one or both of these two fora of some interest: http://www.psychlinks.ca/phpbb/viewforum.php?f=9 http://www.psychlinks.ca/phpbb/viewforum.php?f=3
From my personal experience dealing with bipolar disorder all I can tell you is to follow your doctor’s advice and take your medication as indicated. There is a lot of trial and error involved until the right combination is found. Be patient and persevere.
