I'm a Failure...

[godismystrength1]

I can't function right now; I can't do my homework and I have a 5 page paper on Ethics in Law due on Monday, Finals, more essays. I wish I could just prove my father right and do well in college. I have paranoid schizophrenia or schizoaffective and possibly undiagnosed Aspergers, and I am struggling so so so much.

I just want to succeed, but I do not feel like people realize how impairing this illness actually is.

 

[godismystrength1]

What are my options? I know I can do at least something.

 

[SeekJusticeLoveMercy]

Have you gotten in touch with your college's Learning Disabilities office? Every college is required to have one by law. If you haven't already done so, go to them and have them compile a 504 Plan for you. It is probably too late to have it for this semester, but they can have it set up for next semester. It can include things such as more time to complete assignments/tests, alternative projects (like maybe a presentation instead of an essay or something along those lines), there are many options for you.

As always, pray it out. God will be with you and help you through.

 

[Marcus Constantine]

Have you gotten in touch with your college's Learning Disabilities office? Every college is required to have one by law. If you haven't already done so, go to them and have them compile a 504 Plan for you. It is probably too late to have it for this semester, but they can have it set up for next semester. It can include things such as more time to complete assignments/tests, alternative projects (like maybe a presentation instead of an essay or something along those lines), there are many options for you.

As always, pray it out. God will be with you and help you through.

I agree. While they're not actually required to have an "office" of Learning Disabilities, a public or private college or university (in the U.S.) must recognize diagnosed learning disabilities and provide alternatives to help you (like what SJLM mentioned about modified assignments or testing procedure). There are many in your situation that are doing well because they've taken advantage of these options. I wish you well!

 

[episkopos]

As you seek for medical and psychologic help, always remember that through Christ Jesus, you can do all things.

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." (Phillipians 4:13)

 

[blackribbon]

I didn't have your issues and I still had the same problems. Take a deep breathe and come up with a plan that allows you to only think about one problem at a time. It may be that you study for an hour and then attack that paper for an hour...or it may mean that you focus on one thing for many hours with a goal being for completion before moving on to the next item. Be careful that you are not using the internet, tv, or other activities that tend to eat up time. Don't let the whole picture overwhelm you...attack your life in bite size pieces.

Good luck. And get some help with time management next semester so that you don't have this same issue again. That paper probably could have been done sooner and if you had been studying all along during the semester, this would be time for review and not cramming. No time for self-degradation...one bite at a time right now and get it done.

 

[blackribbon]

PS: Asperger's does not affect your ability to study or do well in school...

 

[elahmine]

I have the same disability. I am currently diagnosed with schizo-affective disorder, but depending on the psychaitrist it changes to schizophrenia. I can be quite paranoid. People don't generally understand that psychotic disorders aren't just about hallucinations. Schizo/affective/phrenia effects your ability to be motivated, concentrate (paranoia or underlying ADD makes this worse), organize, and the ability to think like everyone else. Sometimes are minds get stuck in a loop or are thoughts race or slow down, or sometimes are thoughts are just jumbled. Also a lot of us have a really hard time working with others b/c we are "antisocial". The symptoms that I have mentioned are a mere few complications with schizoaffective/phrenia. I would go to the disability department. That is really good advice, but also see your psychiatrist. You may need your medicine raised. I wouldn't suggest agreeing to change it. We both know how sick going on any anti-psychotic makes you, but also if your school has a psychology department, go see them. Counseling for school related issues is important for us; because, it can help us cope with symptoms. Another possibility is find somebody to "help". I sometimes find structure better. Homework and essays are outside of school and thus aren't structured. Find someone you are close to come over during a specified time ("homework time") to remind you it is time for homework. Have them sit with you. Maybe they can make a snack, but their purpose it to keep you on track. Keep in mind things are being made worse because it's so close to summer.

 

[DrummerDude]

The question that I would ask is, who's opinion do you value the most? God loves you and he has put you on this earth, right where you're at, because that is where you can most influence the people around you. I know that it's hard when we can't feel Him with us, (I've experienced that myself), but that does NOT mean that He has left us! Remember Phillipians 4:13; "I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me." I pray that God will strengthen you and encourage you to be who He has called you to be.

 

[roseglass6370]

^^^ What he said.

I might add that it sounds like you are idolizing your schoolwork, which is something that I as a premed student struggle with too sometimes.

Remember, that school and career will pass away, but our relationship with God is eternal. School is not the end-all, end-all.

Remember, Christ tells us in Matthew 6:33 to "Seek first His kingdom..."

God bless, Sister!

 

[smod27]

I have been down a rough road in my life, but I have... like you I think... always know there was something better for me... regardless of the metal, emotional and other issues we have.... we have been created by THE GOD OF ALL... I prayed for: Wisdom... The Truth... and Strength.... if you noticed I did not pray for healing.... I simpley prayed to be more like Christ! I researched and studied and found ways to overcome the roadblocks Satan placed in my way... Now I am a Christian Life Coach sharing what God has done in my life!!

 

[AshleyLiz]

The stress of college can really wear on your mind, body, and soul. I'm a senior in college and have one more term to get through. Ways I cope with the stress of college is taking time to do something I enjoy such as reading, watching a movie, or playing a game. Anything to help put me at ease. Prayer is also a wonderful stress reducer. Good luck to you! *hugs*