Q.Im 18/female and have been diagnosed with Schizoaffective disorder since December 05. For 5 years before that I have been diagnosed with various other psychiatric illnesses and spent a 4 year period in a psych hospital. I have currently been out of hospital for about 7 months or maybe six and I have been studying my gcses at college now since september 05. At the beginning of the year I achieved very high grades and was the top of my class (even after 4 years of no education). However, in the last 2-3 months my illness has been seriosuly affecting my studies. I now feel that I should have spent a year or two doing a less demanding course before doing the extremely demanding course I am doing now. At the moment, I have coursework to do for four different subjects. I have an english essay of 750 words to be handed in tomorrow and I havent even started it. Our class were given 3 weeks to do it but I find it so hard to motivate myself. Somedays, I dont even see the point in dressing or going to college, let alone finding the will to complete my coursework. When i get in from college it is usually around 7pm because my mum picks me up and takes me home after she finishes work. So, when we get in we have our meal and it gets to about 8pm and I just feel so exhausted and worn out and I just want to sleep or try to rest a bit. It is so hard to try and work at that time in the evening after a long day at college. I feel i should have more time to look after myself and tune in to my other needs. Not only do i not have enough time on my hands but right now I am going through a depressive time and feeling scared and anxious all the time. I dont want to do anything and i just feel complete emptiness. Right now I am home alone (its 7.20pm) and my mom will be home soon. I didnt go to college today because I was so tird this morning. All day I have been online and just sitting in my room feeling lifeless and I have the essay that needs to be in tomorrow. I am wondering whether I should take some time out and get some more help or what. I just dont know what i should do. Then again… I dont want to reach 20 years old and not have any qualifications. I want to do something with my life one day but right now all i can do it sit in my house and feel bad, get scary thoughts and feel scared in my own home. I dont want to face anyone and i just want some time to chill out or get some help or anything. I dont know if i can cope with my course. I am on lithium and quetiapiene and i have an underactive thyroid. I live with my mum who is out all day at work. Im just not sure whether i should allow myself some time out. I dont know what to do. I just cant cope with all this work. But i really want to do well at my studies. What do you think i should do?

A. You could be having a bad day and not feeling well and that happens to everyone. It’s more likely that you have overwhelmed yourself by signing up for so many classes at once. What’s the hurry? You do not want to burn yourself out or put too much pressure on yourself. With schizophrenia especially, too much stress has been known to cause an episode in some people. If you feel you need a break, listen to yourself and take one. You don’t have to quit college, just slow down and don’t take so many classes at once. You seem motivated to reach your overall goal of getting your qualifications and taking a break will not interfere with that goal. You asked if you should allow yourself some time out. I say yes, absolutely, it would be a mistake not to take a break if you feel overwhelmed.

Another thought is your getting some academic help. In the United States college system, schizophrenia is considered a disability. At most universities, there are specialized services that assist people with disabilities. The help can range from teaching students good study skills, to tutoring, and learning how to best manage time. Many of the university disability centers can request teachers allow students with disabilities extra time to take tests or write papers. Check with your college to see if they offer any of these services. Let me know what you find out. Remember, taking a break does not mean quitting. If you feel you need one, I suggest you take one. Good luck.

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Last reviewed: By John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on 28 Mar 2006