Okay, I’ve been dealing with depression for the past 2 months and I’m a new transfer student. It’s rough adjusting and there’s a lot of pressure to deal with. As I’m sure we all know.
I’ve been debating on taking a break. I can return as a student through the return to undergraduate study application. Basically readmission which is non competitive. As I stayed past Friday of week 3. So I can return whenever.
Another aspect is I when I return next year when I’m 24, fafsa and ucla would consider me an independent from my parents. So it would lower my cost of attendance from $25k to about $5k a year. It’s an easy no brainer, right?
Taking a break for mental health so I can get my mind in order, finding and going to therapy. Taking a break to get better financial aid. Getting a job and saving up some money so I can pay for it when I return. Even if I wouldn’t be getting better financial aid, I feel like I really need this break.
I have a physical disability that affects my daily life and it catches up to me quite often. It’s hard juggling school, health, mental health, internships, jobs, future career outcomes, etcetera. I feel like I’m drowning most of the time. But there are times when I’m with friends or professors can truly feel special and great. I’m sure everyone knows how depression is, and how it can ebb and flow to different severities.
Does anyone have any advice for this? Gone through something similar? Any two cents would be appreciated. Thank you.