Is anybody here dealing with mental health disorders?

[DrOrpheus]

Hey all --

I'm starting the app process for Fall 2011 entrance. I'm hoping there are others who are like me, dealing with a mental health disorder (or 3) whilst applying to or enrolled in graduate programs, that I can talk to. I'm interested in your experiences in undergrad, the application process, and in graduate school. Kind of like a support group, I guess, because sometimes the stresses of academia can be triggering, and we need to stick together!

I'll go first...My name's ProfessorOrpheus, I'm 31, married, and will graduate in May with a BA in History, minor in Classics. I was diagnosed with Bipolar I, ADD, and anxiety disorder about two years ago. I hate that mental illness carries such a stigma...my family doesn't even know because I'm afraid of what they'll say. I'm terrified that said stigma will keep me from getting into a graduate program, but I think if I can talk with others who are in a similar boat, I'll relax.

Anyway, enough about me, what about you?

(Mods, if there is a topic similar to this one, I apologize because I didn't find it in a search.)

[UnlikelyGrad]

I'll go first...My name's ProfessorOrpheus, I'm 31, married, and will graduate in May with a BA in History, minor in Classics. I was diagnosed with Bipolar I, ADD, and anxiety disorder about two years ago. I hate that mental illness carries such a stigma...my family doesn't even know because I'm afraid of what they'll say. I'm terrified that said stigma will keep me from getting into a graduate program, but I think if I can talk with others who are in a similar boat, I'll relax.

(Mods, if there is a topic similar to this one, I apologize because I didn't find it in a search.)

*waves hand* MEEEE!!!

I suffer from chronic depression, and I'm probably ADD as well. (My 3rd son as ADHD and boy do I ever see myself in him. Though I do know how to sit still...sort of...)

Note: they can't keep you out of school for mental illness; you're protected under the ADA.

Coping strategies: YMMV, but I find that forcing myself to stick to a schedule helps. Also regular exercise, a good diet, and cognitive behavioral therapy.

I was actually going to write a new blog post about depression (my first post was one of my most popular ever: http://unlikelygrad.wordpress.com/2009/12/01/depression-and-graduate-school/ ) but haven't gotten around to it yet--probably because I've been deep in the depths of depression for the past two weeks. Maybe I'll get going on that now, er, after work.

[RNadine21]

Oh yea, depression and a mood disorder over here. It really got to me this past year between finishing up school, applying/dealing with grad schools, and family issues. There was a lot of huddling in the fetal position instead of getting stuff done :/ But I got through it and I'm sure you will too!

Put together a list of coping mechanisms if you can. I have lots of things to turn to: listening to music, talking to my friends, sometimes I just need to take a nap or let myself cry and the funk blows over. I've also noticed that regular exercise keeps my mood up. And if unfortunately my depression lasts too long or gets too serious, I'm not above reaching out for professional help; I've already had to do so once in my college career. I'm already thinking of how to keep my emotions under control in school, and I feel confident I'll be able to pull it off. As a side note, you can't be denied admission because of this, but I personally wouldn't bring it up unless necessary. I just don't feel it's anyone's business.

As to my personal info, I'm 22, just graduated with a BS in marine science/biology and I'm starting my MS in marine biology next month.

[DrOrpheus]

Oh yea, depression and a mood disorder over here. It really got to me this past year between finishing up school, applying/dealing with grad schools, and family issues. There was a lot of huddling in the fetal position instead of getting stuff done :/ But I got through it and I'm sure you will too!

Put together a list of coping mechanisms if you can. I have lots of things to turn to: listening to music, talking to my friends, sometimes I just need to take a nap or let myself cry and the funk blows over. I've also noticed that regular exercise keeps my mood up. And if unfortunately my depression lasts too long or gets too serious, I'm not above reaching out for professional help; I've already had to do so once in my college career. I'm already thinking of how to keep my emotions under control in school, and I feel confident I'll be able to pull it off. As a side note, you can't be denied admission because of this, but I personally wouldn't bring it up unless necessary. I just don't feel it's anyone's business.

As to my personal info, I'm 22, just graduated with a BS in marine science/biology and I'm starting my MS in marine biology next month.

Curling up in the fetal position...yes...I'm very familiar with that one! I've found exercise really helps, as does music and doing something with my hands like sewing. Ditto on the nobody's business, too, but if it has to come up, it will.

[UnlikelyGrad]

music and doing something with my hands like sewing.

Yes to both of these too...though I can't handle fine work like knitting/embroidery very well. My preference is for things like working on the house: reroofing, painting, etc. Also, I have to be very careful about what sort of music I listen to, has to be "happy"--got into serious trouble one time by listening to Pergolesi's "Stabat Mater" while depressed. [in case you're not familiar with classical/religious music, 'Stabat Mater' is about Mary watching Jesus die on the cross. Pergolesi's is beautiful, but also very weep-worthy.]

[DrOrpheus]

My preference is for things like working on the house: reroofing, painting, etc. Also, I have to be very careful about what sort of music I listen to, has to be "happy"--got into serious trouble one time by listening to Pergolesi's "Stabat Mater" while depressed. [in case you're not familiar with classical/religious music, 'Stabat Mater' is about Mary watching Jesus die on the cross. Pergolesi's is beautiful, but also very weep-worthy.]

I'd much rather be puttering around fixing stuff, or even mowing the lawn. If I had the facilities, I'd have an old muscle car to fix up. Alas, I live in a townhouse that's not mine and has contracted maintenance, so I taught myself to sew!

Music doesn't usually affect my mood much, unless it's a very specific song that I have connected to a very sad event. I used to be a music performance major WAY back in the day, so when I listen to music I usually get too wrapped up in the intricasies of it to be impacted mood-wise. What genres do you listen to mostly?

[UnlikelyGrad]

I'd much rather be puttering around fixing stuff, or even mowing the lawn. If I had the facilities, I'd have an old muscle car to fix up. Alas, I live in a townhouse that's not mine and has contracted maintenance, so I taught myself to sew!

Music doesn't usually affect my mood much, unless it's a very specific song that I have connected to a very sad event. I used to be a music performance major WAY back in the day, so when I listen to music I usually get too wrapped up in the intricasies of it to be impacted mood-wise. What genres do you listen to mostly?

Also currently living in a rented townhouse, but I frequently find myself fixing up the lab equipment!! I told my husband that as soon as he moves out here we are BUYING a place. My favorite introspective activity was deadheading the roses--may need to get some big planters and rosebushes for my patio!

I am a classical music snob. When I must listen to non-classical music, I prefer '60's rock.

And I did finally update my blog with another depression post...

http://unlikelygrad.wordpress.com/2010/07/15/depression-and-graduate-school-part-ii/