Posted by jzp on August 18, 2000, at 20:05:37
In reply to wellbutrin and prozac added today and college?, posted by amyw on August 14, 2000, at 20:32:31
Hi,
I don't want to presume to know what's really going on with your son and whether he should go to school, but I'm going to give you my $.02 anyway. I'm a 24-year-old graduate school dropout, suffering from bipolar II since late high school, and I have lots and lots and LOTS of experience dealing with depression and college, so I hope that this will at least be a little helpful to you.
First, where is your son going to school? Nearby or far away? Would it be possible for him to take 1 or 2 classes instead of a full courseload? Where will he be living? From personal experience, I can say that going to a new city and a new school while depressed is a bad, bad idea. Starting college is a very stressful experience, and you don't want to set him up for failure. However, if he'll be nearby, or living at home, it might be easier. My best suggestion is for him to try a few classes and see how it goes. If it's too much, he can withdraw from the classes or take incompletes. I have found professors to be, on the whole, pretty understanding of these kinds of things.
The number one priority should be getting functioning again. I understand why you want him to be out and about and doing something, but it's important to be realistic about how much "stimulation" he can handle. Keep in mind that while it is important to try to do SOMETHING every day, depression is a debilitating illness.
I hope this is of some help to you. My thoughts are with your son-- I've been through it and I know how hard it is. He is lucky to have a parent like you.
Take care,
Jannette
poster:jzp
thread:42893
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000811/msgs/43266.html