I live with my parents and two sisters. I'm worried, because it seems like my behavior is changing from what it used to be. I get annoyed easily at any topic my parents might bring up, and despite listening to them, sometimes I feel like throwing things and breaking them.
I was an average student through high school. Since I've started college I'm unable to do well in my studies. All of my colleagues have completed school and have gone on to get great jobs, and I'm the only one lagging behind.
Whenever I'm alone in my room, I talk to myself and start daydreaming, and it consumes much of my time. I could really use this time to help me in my studies, but taking time for myself helps me relax. My memory seems to be getting weaker by the day to the point where I'm unable to learn anything. My biggest loss was when I received a FAIL in one of my classes.
Do I have some serious mental illness? Please suggest something as soon as possible, as I have plenty of expectations from you. Thank you!
Surender
Dear Surrender,
Nothing you’ve said indicates a serious mental illness. But, clearly you have chosen the wrong course of study in college. You sound bored and disinterested in school and there is no way you will do well in a case like that.
My advice: take a year off from school. Get a job, travel, do some self examination and figure out what it is you want to do with your life. Invest your hours at work and do your best. On your time off, try out different things. What hobbies do you like? Can you create a career doing it? Hobbies and activities that excite you can shine a career path you didn't even consider before. Your imagination is only limited by you.
Write a story, film a movie on your cellphone, take an accounting class. New, new, new things, give them try. You just might find a new direction and find something that clicks.
You can take a College Assessment Test, which will give you an idea what courses will interest you most, or you can speak with your university advisor. Either of these (or both) can give you wonderful insight if you're not sure where your interests lie. Reading How Do I Know If I Have ADD? Will be helpful. Follow the suggestions I offer Megan to help her concentrate on her studies.
Read a very similar letter to yours, Hawwa Can't Stay Awake To Study, and also read Always Doing Well, Nadine Suddenly Lost Interest In Everything. I truly believe if you change your course of study to something that you truly enjoy, everything else will fall into place and you'll start enjoying your life again. Good luck!
Dr. Archer
