I’m withdrawing from college on Wednesday. I’m leaving all my friends to go back home and get intensive treatment at the Rogers OCD Center. It was the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make. There was all this fear swarming in my mind. “What if my friends forget about me and stop caring? What about my dnd campaign? What about the guy I like... what if he thinks I’m crazy? What about my classes? I’m supposed to graduate this semester.” All these thoughts terrified me. I couldn’t even imagine living in a world where every possible thing went wrong. However, after a while, things started making sense. I needed to get help. I couldn’t just keep pretending that everything was fine. Today I told my friends that I’m withdrawing. They cared so much. We had an impromptu party and all my friends were there. It was the best day I have had in a very long time. I’ve never felt so loved. I talked about coming to visit in the future and returning for fall semester. I talked to my dm about continuing our dnd campaign. Tomorrow, I’m saying goodbye for good and I’m even gonna work up the guts to ask the guy I like to play guitar with me one more time (we’re in a band together). What I mean to say is this: never scare yourself outta getting the help you need. When you do what you need to do, everything else will fall into place. Who knows, maybe things will be even better than they were before.

Hey! I actually withdrew a year ago for the same reasons. I had to get help before I could continue with college. I went away to Colorado state, and became super anxious with overwhelming OCD. I didn’t have anyone out there really, so I became suicidal and all of that. But I came back home, and after a lot of therapy, I am back on track and going back to school full time this coming fall. So don’t lose hope! I don’t regret taking time for myself at all.

UPDATE: I had the best day ever! I got to spend time with a lot of my friends (and I DID get to hang out with my guy) and everyone filled out two cards of encouragement and gave them to me. I honestly broke down crying. I had no idea that everyone cared so much. Their love and support is honestly what has given me the courage to get the help I need. I am praying that y’all will also be surrounded by supportive friends who love you.

You got this! Your mental health should always come first! Graduation day will be waiting for you when you are ready and mentally healthy again!

I'm proud of you. Just a suggestion... See if you can get your friends to send mail back and forth with you while you're there. It endured I always had something to look forward to at the end of the day when I was there

I’m so happy for you, you’re doing what’s best for you. Yes it may be scary but in the long run it will help you. The funny thing is our stories are really similar. I just withdrew from college for the semester in order to get treatment. I was terrified of putting my life on hold for this and tbh I still am scared. I left my job for the semester (they’re still holding my position) my college allowed me to withdraw without it showing up in my transcripts and a bunch of other things. Everything seems to be lining up in order for me to get treatment. Best of luck to you and me!