![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 12 of 12. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Tom Twilight on November 16, 2006, at 6:56:31
High all
Has anyone with Mental Health problems ever gone on to do Post Graduate Study?
I'd really like to go on to study for an MA or some kind of further training.
Unfortunatly the odds seem really daunting!Has anyone here managed to do postgraduate work despite suffering from depression and anxiey?
Posted by Meri-Tuuli on November 16, 2006, at 8:40:15
In reply to Postgraduate Study and Mental Illness?, posted by Tom Twilight on November 16, 2006, at 6:56:31
Hey Tom,
Yes, I'm studying for a masters and I have depression and anxiety too.
It was a big decision for me. I would suggest you think carefully about it, well I mean, what sort of "living conditions" you'll have or what sort of schedule you'll have, if you see what I mean.
So maybe something part-time, that you can work on at your own pace? Perhaps the Open University?
I came to Finland because their masters are much more flexiable, ie you can take the exams when you choose, and can study at what pace you want. I didn't cope very well with the pressures of exams, deadlines etc whilst doing my undergraduate in the UK. Stress is a big trigger for me, so you might want to think about that.
But, other that, there are loads of people will depression/anxiety doing postgraduate study, some people here on babble...in fact, one of my professors disclosed to me that he suffered from dpression too...so even the lecturers get it! I would say there are alot of students with these problems.
There is hope!
Kind regards
Meri
What would you study??
Posted by Jost on November 16, 2006, at 16:51:27
In reply to Postgraduate Study and Mental Illness?, posted by Tom Twilight on November 16, 2006, at 6:56:31
Um. Like, YEAH.
In fact, very few people without mental problems will go on for graduate study.
Of course certain problems make it harder-- but there' s no reason not to do it-- you have to fight against the anxiety esp. but it definitely can be done.
Jost
Posted by Jost on November 16, 2006, at 16:52:45
In reply to Re: Postgraduate Study and Mental Illness?, posted by Jost on November 16, 2006, at 16:51:27
PS although maybe that was in my field, which was a little on the dopey side.
(Apologies to my field, if it is offended.)
Jost
Posted by Lindenblüte on November 17, 2006, at 8:24:46
In reply to Re: Postgraduate Study and Mental Illness?, posted by Jost on November 16, 2006, at 16:52:45
hi Tom,
People definitely go on to do post-graduate studies. I am a PhD candidate, and I have depression, and anxiety and a mixed bag of other goodies...Actually, being a student is perhaps a good occupation for someone who is struggling with these issues.
1) no one can fire you
2) expectations and deadlines are usually pretty obvious
3) lots of other people like you, and smart tolerant people besides
4) learning is a mental exercise and can keep your mind strong (just don't do too much heavy lifting!)
5) campus mental health resources
6) access to library, gym, computers,
7) social opportunitiesThe particular challenge is that you will have to learn to pace yourself, and not get in over your head. This may mean that you cannot pull all-nighters like other students. You should think strongly about whether it's absolutely necessary to take a full load every semester. In many graduate programs there is no minimum or maxium course load. Rather, the student has to figure out how to satisfy the requirements. Obviously, you should take the minimum courses available to fulfill your requirements.
I've found that I get more from taking 1 or 2 courses and really concentrating on them, then taking 4 courses and scrambling to get all my assignments in. Also, taking fewer classes gives you more freedom to attend guest lectures, lab meetings, grand rounds, conferences, colloquia, etc.
The sacrifice for all of this is that you must be willing to live in relative poverty and submit to having professors and others evaluate you regularly.
Let us know what you decide?
-Li
Posted by Tom Twilight on November 19, 2006, at 16:39:49
In reply to Re: Postgraduate Study and Mental Illness?, posted by Lindenblüte on November 17, 2006, at 8:24:46
Thanks for the contributions everyone
Its encouraging to know that you can do Post Grad study with Mental Health Issues
Wish there was more info for the UK really
Posted by SatinDoll on November 19, 2006, at 18:05:04
In reply to Re: Postgraduate Study and Mental Illness?, posted by Lindenblüte on November 17, 2006, at 8:24:46
Hi Linden!
Thanks so much for the info! ;-) I also agree taking less classes is better. But next symester, I am dropping the music classes except the lessons, and taking another non music class instead. I have to graduate SOMETIME and I won't do it by taking extracurricular music stuff that takes a lot more time than studying !
Posted by Simcha on December 15, 2006, at 14:22:33
In reply to Postgraduate Study and Mental Illness?, posted by Tom Twilight on November 16, 2006, at 6:56:31
Yes. I completed an MA in Counseling Psychology in September 2005. I had a 3 year program. I have Major Depressive Disorder with Recurrance and Fibromyalgia. I'm an intern now and I'll be licensed in a couple of years (hopefully).
You just have to take extra good care of yourself, make sure you take your meds regularly, and I found psychotherapy to be indispensible.
There were plenty of other people in my program who suffered from a myriad of mental illnesses. One woman was schizophrenic. She did graduate and she's working on her internship now.
So, it's possible.
Posted by dmtd3b on January 15, 2007, at 20:18:07
In reply to Postgraduate Study and Mental Illness?, posted by Tom Twilight on November 16, 2006, at 6:56:31
I'm working on my master's right now and I have bipolar disorder and PTSD. Maybe we can be supports for eachother as we work toward our goals. I look forward to talking with you more.
Posted by CApsychstudent on January 20, 2007, at 19:03:54
In reply to Postgraduate Study and Mental Illness?, posted by Tom Twilight on November 16, 2006, at 6:56:31
> High all
>
> Has anyone with Mental Health problems ever gone on to do Post Graduate Study?
>
> I'd really like to go on to study for an MA or some kind of further training.
> Unfortunatly the odds seem really daunting!
>
> Has anyone here managed to do postgraduate work despite suffering from depression and anxiey?
>My experience has been "most of us". Thats why a lot of us go into the field's we are. We've had special "practicum experience" that the others don't get going in.
It can be done. Just be careful how much you disclose at first----and to who. Don't start off on the wrong foot.
Posted by mmmouch on May 24, 2007, at 0:37:10
In reply to Re: Postgraduate Study and Mental Illness?, posted by CApsychstudent on January 20, 2007, at 19:03:54
I couldnt agree with tom more...
Im in a master's in counseling program. I have PTSD, BPD, panic attacks, depression...being in the program has actually helped me function better. Getting started is rough but hang in. Your experience will be valuable as a counselor. And yes, do not disclose too much. I would say rather than be acreful who you tell....dont tell anyone. It was the first bit of advice my T gave me when I went back to school. He says they will discriminate against you, even though they all have their own issues as well.
We all do have reasons for going into the field...but if youre pressed I would use a relative's issue as the reason...
Posted by mmmouch on May 24, 2007, at 0:41:25
In reply to Re: Postgraduate Study and Mental Illness?, posted by CApsychstudent on January 20, 2007, at 19:03:54
I couldnt agree with CApsychstudent more...
Im in a master's in counseling program. I have ptsd BPD, panic attacks, depression...being in the program has actually helped me function better. Getting started is roughbut hang in. Your experienc will be valuable as a counselor. And yes, do not disclose too much. I would say rather than be areful who you tell....dont tell anyone. It was the first bit of advicemy T gave me when I went back to school. He says they will discriminate against you, even though they all have their own issues as well...
This is the end of the thread.
Psycho-Babble Students | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.