I don't think I can cope with starting a new school, should I drop out?

Question

I'm 16 and live in the UK. I've just finished compulsory education and have the summer off before I'm supposed to be starting 6th form in september. I think all my grades will be great, they were all predicted A/A*'s.

The problem is that since november last year I've been having various mental problems. I've only just managed to see a psychiatrist, and he's diagnosed me with Bipolar Disorder and OCD. I feel like I can't cope with starting a new school and trying to make new friends with all these health problems I'm having. I'm on medication, but life is still only just bearable when I'm at home and can do what I want (including my OCD rituals)...

I think starting school may be impossible because for example I can't touch a door handle without washing my hands straight after, I can't shake someone's hand, I can't go into public toilets for fear of getting contaminated. I can't eat food unless it has been prepared and packed myself, so I won't be able to eat school meals with everyone else.

I only see my psychiatrist once a month as he is ''very busy'' but he's put a referral in for a psychologist which should be able to help me stop the rituals... unfortunately, it could be another few weeks until I see him by which time I'll have already started school.

I've spoken to my mother about this but she's not very sympathetic and just told me that I've basically got to ''just get on with it''. She's dealing with her own depression and I don't want to give her anything else to worry about, but I really don't think I can cope with school.

Should I drop out and see if I can continue next year instead due to my health problems, or should I just get on with it and go to school and see how it goes?

Any advice would be really appreciated, I just don't know what to do anymore. Thanks for reading, sorry it's so long. X

Answer 1

What will you do if you drop out of school. My guess is stay at home and develop even more rituals. Not a good idea really is it?

There was a suggestion to take Hand Sanitiser in your pocket by an earlier answerer ... take a packet of baby wipes and/or disinfectant wipes in your bag.

Tell people at school you have a problem and ask for their help to deal with it. This will help you integrate quickly and get to know other students. (Most will be very helpful I am sure).

There is nothing better than good social relationships to help cope with OCDs.

Good luck.

Answer 2

I think you could just need a lot of reassurance, did you ask your parents for advice??

I am sort of like that too, buy hand sanitizer you can get it in any pharmacy, it is like water and soap that fits in your pocket

Answer 3

dropping out will make your life even worse. you won't be able to get a decent job and people will think your "a juvenile delinquent". You can handle this!!! I know it must be hard but if you just focus on what matters you can get through it. You could always be homeschooled if you like. Its a little less pressure than going to a regular school.  

Answer 4

Interesting! I c u r a sort of person with a touch me not attitude. About dropping school, well it depends on how determined u r to continue ur studies. I think that u should go to school because that's the only way you'll be able cope with ur mental problem. The more u stay at home, the more you'll feel sick. If u take a break of one year, then u wont feel like going to school anymore. But it's up to you. Do what u feel is best. What matters is your determination of getting well soon and continuing ur education! And us for not wanting to touch something dirty, use hand sanitizer. You dont need water for that!!!

Hope u get well soon!!!

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;...

Answer 5

I agree with the poster above; use substitutes for your rituals, and try bringing a snack or something for lunch -- just go for it! See if you can do the year; but if you can't and can just start school again (without any repercussions), then look for an online school or something to compensate...

But everything will most likely turn out fine. :-)

Ugh, I don't really normally this, and I'm not trying to advertise,but my friend is in a school situation too and I'd really like a teen's perspective. =/ http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;...

Answer 6

You have made it this far if you are in 6th form and you seem to be very successful so don't give in now. You need to talk to the school nurse to see if s/he can get you a source of additional of support. Your mum is clearly unable to offer you much in the way of help at the moment. see how you go, we are none of us "perfect" and you are doing really well under difficult conditions-good luck.

Answer 7

dont be silly- dropping out will do nothing to make you feel better.

stay in school, your grades are amazing. your really bright, and you shouldnt waste it on a little bit of insecurity.

dont worry about your 'rituals', you might find someone who will look past it and help you get around them - without the need of a 'busy' psychiatrist.

keep at it, your just going through a rough patch - just remember that you are above it all.

keep at it :) i just moved to a new school myself - changing countries and everything, and its all a big adjustment i know. teachers can be cool, find one you trust and im sure theyd be more than willing to help you out. they'd even be flattered by your trust.

- dont forget, that by making other people feel good, you accidently help yourself.

all the best, x

Answer 8

If you think you can get good grades then go to school, with the OCD then just think positively and try using self help programs before you see this new psychologist and just think that you can get through this. Ask yur GP what would be best for you before you do anything though. However plenty of people get through school with OCD.

With your rituals before you see the psychologist try to avoid them like walking in the door behind somebody or push on the wood of the door (or metal if the door is metal) to avoid the door handle and not going to the toilet when your at school but go at home before you leave instead. Take a dinner to school with you. Just try to work around them.