What I Wish My Teachers Understood About my Mental Health | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

What I Wish My Teachers Understood About my Mental Health

I can't control it

211
What I Wish My Teachers Understood About my Mental Health

It seems all I ever write is about my mental illnesses, but that's mainly because it impacts how I go about my day. Some days I have it under control, while other days it's an uncontrollable mess. Most of the time I keep it to myself, because I feel like sometimes my friends won't understand what I'm dealing with and that they won't know how to help. This is especially true about my teachers. I don't let them know that I suffer from anxiety and depression in fear of them not understanding, since it's all "in my head" or that they might think that I'm "milking" my mental illnesses and making it all up. But truth be told, I'm not making it up. Mental health is not a top priority in college, and I wish my teachers and professors were more aware of what people struggling with mental illnesses go through on a daily basis. For a better understanding, I'm going to list a few struggles I deal with that I'd want my teachers to understand.

Somedays, It's literally impossible for me to get out of bed.

Unfortunately I'm not being overdramatic about this one. There have been days where I miss full days of class because I can't find the motivation to get out of my bed. Most of the time when I feel like this, the motivation of simply not being behind in a missed class is enough to force myself out of bed. But on those rare occasions, that's not enough.

I'm not lazy.

I put all my effort and energy into my school work, and sometimes it might come off as lazy because it might not be up to their standards, but for me, it's all that I can mentally handle. I stress about it not being good enough, but sometimes I can't seem to care to make it any better.

I'm easily overwhelmed.

I'm in a very projected orientated major, and most of the time I love that. But unfortunately my teachers never coordinate when their class specific projects, so I end up having three different projects due on one week. This is a lot for me, and i have to decide which project I put more effort into, because it's mentally challenging for me to put the same great effort into one project. Sometimes I will even just tune out everything and not be able to start a project because I'm too overwhelmed.

I'm constantly tired.

It's not because I go out and party all night during the week, or stay up to watch Netflix. It's because my anxiety keeps me up late at night and causes my insomnia. When I wake up, I don't feel fully energized, and normally will take a nap during the day because my depression forces me too. It's annoying, but it happens almost daily.

My procrastination is due to depression.

Growing up before my depression, I had everything done before the due date. But as the years have gone on with me suffering from depression, that changed. It's not because I'm lazy and want to put it off. Every fiber in me wants to start projects weeks or days in advance, but my brain is saying to put it off and sleep.

Medications don't always work.

My anxiety medication is only for when I'm feel particularly anxious, and it doesn't always help. The thing about my anxiety is that I get physically sick. There were times in high school where I had to leave school and go home because I could feel myself getting worked up and I knew what was going to happen. It's not something I can control or predict.

I get really irritable.

Sometimes, for literally no reason, I get super irritable and mad, basically at the world. I can't explain it, and it's not something to take personally. I never go off on anyone, but I get very silent and probably suffer from major RBF.

I can't predict when I'll have it all under control.

I'm hoping that over time, I'll be able to manage my anxiety and push through my depression, but I don't see this happening anytime soon. My mental illnesses will most likely last me my entire college career. I wish it wouldn't, but hopefully with time I'll be able to better manage it. But I just hope and pray that my teachers will be patient with me while I battle through.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
friends
Photo by Elizeu Dias on Unsplash

If I have learned one thing in my lifetime, it is that friends are a privilege. No one is required to give you their company and yet there is some sort of shared connection that keeps you together. And from that friendship, you may even find yourself lucky enough to have a few more friends, thus forming a group. Here are just a few signs that prove your current friend group is the ultimate friend group.

Keep Reading...Show less
ross and monica
FanPop

When it comes to television, there’s very few sets of on-screen siblings that a lot of us can relate to. Only those who have grown up with siblings knows what it feels like to fight, prank, and love a sibling. Ross and Monica Geller were definitely overbearing and overshared some things through the series of "Friends," but they captured perfectly what real siblings feel in real life. Some of their antics were funny, some were a little weird but all of them are completely relatable to brothers and sisters everywhere.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Types Of Sorority Girls

Who really makes up your chapter...

1917
Sorority Girls
Owl Eyes Magazine

College is a great place to meet people, especially through Greek life. If you look closely at sororities, you'll quickly see there are many different types of girls you will meet.

1. The Legacy.

Her sister was a member, her mom was a member, all of her aunts were members, and her grandma was a member. She has been waiting her whole life to wear these letters and cried hysterically on bid day. Although she can act entitled at times, you can bet she is one of the most enthusiastic sisters.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

10 Reasons Why Life Is Better In The Summertime

Winter blues got you down? Summer is just around the corner!

1640
coconut tree near shore within mountain range
Photo by Elizeu Dias on Unsplash

Every kid in college and/or high school dreams of summer the moment they walk through the door on the first day back in September. It becomes harder and harder to focus in classes and while doing assignments as the days get closer. The winter has been lagging, the days are short and dark, and no one is quite themselves due to lack of energy and sunlight. Let's face it: life is ten times better in the summertime.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

10 Things That Describe You and Your College Friends

The craziest, funniest, and most unforgettable college memories are impossible to create without an amazing group of friends.

1279
College Friends
Marina Lombardi

1. You'll never run out of clothes when you have at least four closets to choose from.

2. You embrace and encourage each other’s horrible, yet remarkable dance moves.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments