I really need some advice. Before my mind was completely taken over by OCD I was a straight-A student. I absolutely thrived learning environments. I’m in Australia, currently completing my final year of high school. Before I got so sick, I intended on studying undergraduate medicine. Sadly, with literally 2 months until graduation, I can’t continue my intense study regime. My teachers think I should drop to a non-ATAR (basically can’t get into university directly) pathway. I’m seriously considering it because there is no chance I’ll able to sit through these last few months. But I’m just beating myself up for being a failure. I hate myself for having to do this. Has anyone experienced something similar? Is there a way I can still succeed even if OCD took my high school years away from me? Sorry, this is so long! d a i s y

Hey! Im from australia too! Whereabouts are you from? Im in SA. Im currently in year 12 and would recommend sticking school out - its only about 6 more weeks and I find it to be an extremely beneficial distraction. As for uni, if you don’t get the ATAR you want you can sit the STAT test when you turn 21 (seems a long time away but its not too far) and go for late entry. Are you struggling with anything in particular? Maybe I could help? I do okay in school all things considered :)

Don’t beat yourself up and you’re not a failure! I was homebound most of my senior year of high school because of OCD and anxiety.

Hi Tabbykittycat! I’m in NSW :)) I’m thinking of staying at school, but completing an illness/misadventure form so if I flunk my exams I’ll receive estimates. I used to really like school because it was the perfect distraction from my thoughts. Unfortunately, now my theme has changed and I’ve also got major depression. I think I’ll just get an ATAR (because I think it’s better than no ATAR) and just see how I go! Thank you both sooooo much for replying! I’d really like to chat more on here because we have so much in common! Have a wonderful night! d a i s y

Hey Daisy. That sounds really hard. Do you mind my asking what your theme changed to? Curious to see if you’re similar to me ?

I used to love school and now it is torturous, your not alone?

My themes are mostly contaminated and harm oriented. It’s sooo hard to concentrate on anything! d a i s y