I am struggling a bit with school lately. I end up studying until everywhere between 6 and 9 pm most days, and it is making me miserable. I am considering doing school part time, as that is an option available in my country, but I am afraid of “giving up”. I am also scared I’ll end up with too much time on my hands. What do you guys think? By doing it part time I’d be able to rest more and probably work more on my mental health. However, I would have to spend more time in school, and I feel like I would be a failure. Also, all my friends would graduate before me.

I recommend putting your mental health first. If it is that much of an issue, delaying help will only hurt you in the long run. I recommend going to your school’s counselor or mental health services, telling them the situation and coming up with a plan. Pair with a therapist or in patient facility that can provide you structure. As for your friends, it’s fine. It’s better to take care of this now. It’s a sacrifice you’ll have to make, but it’ll mean so much in the future.

I am in treatment, but it’s in another city, so traveling takes me three hours in total. I struggle a lot with sexual OCD (mainly POCD). Which is very disturbing and takes a lot of energy on bad days. Also this whole “perfectionist” issue, where I seriously break down whenever I don’t get a 100% on an assignment at school because I believe my future is ruined. That’s why I spend ages working on it. Another issue is my magical thinking and more random, short lived obsessions/compulsions. I spent a couple of months where I had to blink thirteen times whenever I saw the number “13”. I would probably be able to stay in touch with some friends online, however they’d move out of town after HS, so I’d be left all alone.

You won’t look stupid. They’ll be happy you made the right choice. It’s worth it.

I took time off from school to get treatment for OCD and it was a great decision for me but your situation may be different. You are right that too much time on your hands is not a good thing for people with OCD because it allows us to ruminate. What are your symptoms? Are you getting any treatment? Would you still be able to stay in contact with your friends if you left school? Sending encouragement.

I have spoken a bit with my counselor, but I did say no yesterday when given the option. So now I feel stupid if I go back and change my mind, partly because I am incredibly indecisive

Thanks ❤️