Depression and the HSC - how do you cope? (3 Viewers)

[15daysofbliss]

Hi all.

I live in a rural town where people are kind of expected (unrealistically) to just 'deal' when things like this happen. I am wondering, how does one go about telling people that they have this sort of an issue, when it is looked upon as an emotional rather than a genetic weakness? (There is a strong history of undiagnosed depression in my family on my mother's side, with the exception of my Mum's post-natal depression, which was diagnosed.).

Also, if you speak to the school councillor/ year co. etc. about being depressed etc, who do they have to speak to?

Thank you.

Fifteendaysofbliss.

4U English
Modern History:burn:
General Maths:mad1:
Biology
SOR 1

 

[Fortify]

Hi all.

I live in a rural town where people are kind of expected (unrealistically) to just 'deal' when things like this happen. I am wondering, how does one go about telling people that they have this sort of an issue, when it is looked upon as an emotional rather than a genetic weakness? (There is a strong history of undiagnosed depression in my family on my mother's side, with the exception of my Mum's post-natal depression, which was diagnosed.).

Also, if you speak to the school councillor/ year co. etc. about being depressed etc, who do they have to speak to?

Thank you.

Fifteendaysofbliss.

4U English
Modern History:burn:
General Maths:mad1:
Biology
SOR 1

Most of the time, you will eventually speak with the school councilor. He or She deals with these things. I'm sure the Year Co-ordinator may also be helpful.

 

[sj1990]

As someone who has personally experienced anxiety and depression during the hsc, and who chose to leave school and return for the following year, all I can say is putting your health first is definitely the most important thing to do.

I spent a relaxing 7 months off from school, where I lived away from the city to clear my mind and gain some perspective. I re-started my hsc this year, and have been going strong - with the exception of a few moments here and there. While it certainly was the hardest decision I have had to make to date, I don't regret it at all. I have a greater sense of pride in myself and my work, for I know all I had been through to get where I am today.

That being said, it took a while to get where I am today. I'm on anti-depressents, and have been for about 15 months. I meditate daily, and speak with a psychiatrist on a regular basis. Excercise is now a big part of my lifestyle, and I'm lucky enough to have a great support network at my school. If I'm feeling at all anxious at school, I have permission to go outside, relax and get some fresh air.

If you're struggling to cope with depression, I can't stress how much it is to go and get help. You're not a weak person, or "crazy"...in fact, I feel so much stronger and more knowleadgable than all my peers this time round, because of what I went through, and because of how I had to fight back for who I use to be.

Everyone is a lot stronger than they think they are.

 

[Lucid Scintilla]

Hi all.

I live in a rural town where people are kind of expected (unrealistically) to just 'deal' when things like this happen. I am wondering, how does one go about telling people that they have this sort of an issue, when it is looked upon as an emotional rather than a genetic weakness? (There is a strong history of undiagnosed depression in my family on my mother's side, with the exception of my Mum's post-natal depression, which was diagnosed.).

Also, if you speak to the school councillor/ year co. etc. about being depressed etc, who do they have to speak to?

Thank you.

Fifteendaysofbliss.

4U English
Modern History:burn:
General Maths:mad1:
Biology
SOR 1

Talk to your counsellor/year advisor/whatever, because, they're free services that your school should offer. They should be able to, and willing to, discuss any issues with you in confidence. As most counsellors or year advisors haven't had any true education in psychology, other than perhaps their freshman year during college/university, and some prep. course for the position within the school, this resource is perhaps effective only against reactive (in response to something, often of late) or generalised depression. If it's a school issue, definitely talk to them, however.

If you suffer from depression of any sort, you may consider seeing a psychotherapist/psychologist.
If you're looking for meds, you won't, however, be able to get scripts for behavioural/psych. meds, which would be obtainable from psychiatrists. (Behavioural/psych. meds are quite a bad idea, unless everything (supportive psychotherapy, dynamic psychotherapy, cognitive therapy... and more?) fails.

You could also see a GP; they've been trained to deal with virtually any situation, including your kind of matter, which isn't below them. They could also refer you to shrinks, if necessary.

P.S. Postnatal depression is comparatively rather easy to pick-up; it's like a huge, pink elephant in a room.
It's, at least, easier to explain.

 

[shell.q]

look all i can say is for those who are struggling with depression and what not with the hsc, talk to you school, start with a teacher, or even a friend who can help u talk to a teacher, there are different ways around it.
i was given pathways, entry schemes, leaving and coming back, tafe courses, senior colleges, theres extension on assessments so much and some people need these, we arent all the same.

I am forever glade and thankful i found the guts to tell my school what was going on and everything, i chose the pathways option but i have in the past few weeks considered tafe. it has taken extreme amounts of stress off me, gives me time to see my specialist and it is also very helpfull that the school does know. I ended up in a position today where i needed to have a teacher drive me home because i got bad news at school, i did not hesitate one bit to go and tell the office. just because the bosses and that know doesnt mean the kids need to know to. of course my freinds do, but that was totaly my choice. I was in hospital i was so bad meaning my specialist appt are now more often and if i hadnt chosen to do pathways i wouldnt be where i am today.
so what if the choices mean you have to stay back at school for another year, in the end it is only bout 8months, and you end up in a better position,
ït's just a small price to pay for the satisfaction of knowldge you'll be able to purue whatever career aspirations you have for the future"

 

[binary star]

Never actually got "depressed" over the HSC, just anxious. Listening to some music helps, well for me anyways. You really shouldn't get that stressed over it, its not that big of a deal.

 

[15daysofbliss]

As someone who has personally experienced anxiety and depression during the hsc, and who chose to leave school and return for the following year, all I can say is putting your health first is definitely the most important thing to do.

I spent a relaxing 7 months off from school, where I lived away from the city to clear my mind and gain some perspective. I re-started my hsc this year, and have been going strong - with the exception of a few moments here and there. While it certainly was the hardest decision I have had to make to date, I don't regret it at all. I have a greater sense of pride in myself and my work, for I know all I had been through to get where I am today.

That being said, it took a while to get where I am today. I'm on anti-depressents, and have been for about 15 months. I meditate daily, and speak with a psychiatrist on a regular basis. Excercise is now a big part of my lifestyle, and I'm lucky enough to have a great support network at my school. If I'm feeling at all anxious at school, I have permission to go outside, relax and get some fresh air.

If you're struggling to cope with depression, I can't stress how much it is to go and get help. You're not a weak person, or "crazy"...in fact, I feel so much stronger and more knowleadgable than all my peers this time round, because of what I went through, and because of how I had to fight back for who I use to be.

Everyone is a lot stronger than they think they are.

Hi Sj1990,

I have considered doing the HSC again next year. I have gotten this far through it, so I guess I should finish this year and see how it goes. Even if I end up completely screwing it over, I guess it would be a waste anyway to not do it at all.

My question is, did you finish the HSC before you did it again?

Also, could you tell me a bit about re-doing it?
Would you recommend that I finish this year before (if) I redo it next year? Do you think that it would be better to redo it at a school or at TAFE?

Thanks for your input and time.

Regards,

15daysofbliss.

 

[jawaad]

i'm currently deep in clinical depression.
using efexor as an anti-depressant.

my school support is terrible - i told my year advisor and he was like oh.
okay. have you talked to anyone?

and then i told my deputy, in the hope of additional uai points
and what not.

and he was like... oh ok that information comes out in september..

disgusting.

 

[PattieBoi]

When I get stressed about the HSC - I go shopping. Always makes me happier =)

 

[DarthCUD]

Im depressed too, my advice is complete HSC then kill yourself thats my plan.

 

[Uncle]

Im depressed too, my advice is complete HSC then kill yourself thats my plan.

I wish I watched WWE back in the HSC.
But then there is more drama today especially with Randy Orton & Triple H, John Cena & The Miz, etc.

 

[Tim035]

I had my special consideration form approved by UTS, Usyd, Macquaire and UNSW due to a combination of chronic depression and glandular fever... I do remember it quite clearly stating on the front page that severe stress & anxiety will not be considered except for exceptional circumstances (as otherwise I think >50% of ppl doing the HSC would apply).
I had references from my psychologist, GP and nutritionist (at one point I was so nervous all the time I just felt sick and couldn't eat, thus my health started to suffer).

My biggest advice would be to create a study schedule you are happy with and can stick to and then just follow it. Completely avoid talking, reading or even thinking about what other students are doing; this was always my biggest cause of depression, I felt as if there was just no way I could do any well as I'd come on forums like these and see countless posts of individuals saying they are doing 4+ hours a night and 6+ hours each day on the weekend. Where as I was so tired all the time I just couldn't do near that much study.

Use this site for the resources, but honestly just stay away from the forums unless you have a genuine question you want answered. Just browsing the HSC forums has the potential to cause an overwhelming feeling of inadequacy, leading to anxiety and depression.

 

[electrolysis]

as days pass cant tell if my stress levels are increasing or decreasing

hehe, same here

 

[meg21]

i am not coping with the hsc.. i dont know how i am going to get through it..the stress and everything.. i hyperventilate just thinking about it..

someone help

 

[loller]

call children's helpline

board of studies has helplines set up for if you are stressed about the hsc too

 

[BlueCatBulletCD]

The best way to handle the HSC is to jump aboard your noble steed and gallop towards success!

• Stay organised
• Use holidays to catch up on Study!
• Don't be discouraged by one bad mark!!

Good Luck

 

[Marmalade.]

What's up with all this depression?

 

[NessA018]

I'm currently doing the HSC n i'm gettin treated for depression and anxiety, thought the depression isn't caused by the HSC - it just contributed to it! To cope with the HSC and my depression + anxiety I've been on antidepressants for 6wks now, seeing a psychiatrist (really don't like seeing her) n i dropped from 12units to 10 units. But what has helped the most is talking to one of my teachers who has been fabulous and my best friend. But I haven't told most people, only about 10 ppl at skool know and 2 of them are students, so I don't know how I would cope if everyone knew! I also find relaxation exercises good; like breathing and mediation or just writing down what I'm thinking so it's out of my head! I don't know if that helps any of you or what but I hope it does!

 

[Miz Janani]

.:.Depression.:.

In regards to the HSC...

So we're all stressed, and personally all of it just getting to me..

Plus having to deal with things happening outside of school doesn't help either.

So how do you deal with depression, or in general, what do you do to prevent yourself from feeling crap?

Ideas would be reallyy appreciated..

 

[q3thefish]

Re: .:.Depression.:.

bite the bullet and man up cuz this is temporary.