Starting college at 33yrs of age with 4 children and suffer with depression good idea or bad? ?

Question

I had my induction at college yesterday, as i am doing a pre access course. I was and still am VERY nervous!! I have to go back today just to fill in diary and other few things but start properly on Monday. I am 33 and have 4 children, i have suffered with depression on and off for 11yrs, this is my first time in going to college as i left school and had my children all at a young age. I feel this is my time now and i want to do something with my life other than be a mum and a sufferer of depression. How can i overcome the panic and nervousness when i am in college as yesterday i felt and know i stood out from looking and being scared. After one day i am starting to think is it really for me BUT i really want to do something. I came home yesterday sat down and filled up with tears thinking am i taking on too much, is it too soon, am i doing the right thing? I know i am not going to now unless i try but i hate feeling the way i am feeling, I HATE being me!! Am i taking the right course will i be able to cope?

Answer 1

Good on you!  I went back to TAFE with 1 child @ 42 & it was the best thing I did. Although at the time I was s--ting myself.  Take 1 day at a time.  Don't look @ the big picture, just try to be organized @ night.  Prepare lunches, lay clothes out.  Make a list.  But just take it one day @ a time.  On the weekend do a big casserole or soup cook up & freeze it.  Make the sandwiches for the week and freeze, take them out each night.  You can freeze ham & Cheese or Jam or chicken but go for it girl you will never regret it & also u r teaching you kids a good lesson. My daughter now 18 said she's proud I did it. Good Luck

Answer 2

Try and take it easy!  Don't overload yourself with coursework.  You'll find your own comfort level through seeing what works and what doesn't work for you.  You might find college very beneficial because it will help you take your mind off things that seem to "put you down" so to speak and show you that you can do it.

Good luck and God bless!

Answer 3

can you handle classes, homework, and the kids?  have you gotten help for your depression?  can your kids handle it?

the way you are feeling, i'm thinking that you might want to give it some more time.  go to therapy, talk to someone.  therapy helped me, and i didn't need any meds, just someone to talk to.  

Answer 4

I went back to college after 20 years and then onto university. You can do it just be organised and you will be fine. It will all be worth it in the end.  

Answer 5

I had my son at 18 and went straight to work, after ten years of having very badly paid jobs I returned to a polytech and there were at least 15 other adults ranging from the ages of 28-37 who were doing the same course.  We formed a support group which did homework and assignments during the breaks so we didnt have to do them when we went home at night.

Yes you can do it, but put some feelers out for any support groups that will help you with studying, homework and assignments while you are at the college.