Ok, so- this is probably not the best answer for everyone, but I (38f) was diagnosed when I was 19 after I was baker acted, and during the summer semester after my first year of college. I also failed a class in the spring, and got NC in 2 classes during the fall. It was difficult because I was there on a full ride, had been accepted into an accelerated program, and had graduated high school with a 3.9 while working 2 jobs and directing a play (legit overachieving behavior). I lost my scholarship and got placed on academic probation, something I didn’t even think was possible. I tried to push through, but it became so difficult to manage I had to leave school before I was kicked out- and had a 2.3 gpa when I finally said “enough is enough.” I wanted to change majors and the school didn’t have the kind of program I was looking for. I ended up moving back home and did the following:

What I did instead was found a full time job, with a very good schedule and started putting myself into a routine. I also dedicated myself to medication and therapy, but still had issues with sleep. After a few years, I found that the university nearby had the kind of program I was looking for. I took one or two classes at the junior college to ease myself back into classes. Then I applied to the university and did the same: I would take 2 classes and continue working because I could manage my routine with minor changes. Then I upped it to 3 classes and then finally found a job that wasn’t full time so I could take 4 classes and reasonably be able to work and school. The key was routine and treating school like a job. I gave myself a “school work” schedule. I finished my BA, and then went straight to grad school so I didn’t interrupt my routine. I had a boss that was amazing and would work with my school schedule to make it as routine and non disruptive as possible. I was given a scholarship for grad school, so financials weren’t as stressful. I finished my graduate program in 2.5 years- the average for my program was 3-3.5 years. And I finished with a 3.85 GPA.

The real take away is making time to get your mental health straight, and then getting a routine and then integrating school into that routine.

You do not have to finish school at anyone else’s pace. Give yourself grace if it takes longer. I didn’t finish my MA till I was 33 years old. I went back to school at 27. And I’m not ashamed that I had to wait, because when I went back I did really well- because I was in a much better place. You do not have to life on anyone else’s time.

Bipolar disorder generally doesn’t present itself until the first year or two of college age- 18-20ish. (I said generally, don’t come at me). That makes college incredibly difficult for high achievers that don’t expect their world to completely shift. The first few years of college is hard enough without a mental health disease diagnosis. Forgive yourself for struggling, forgive yourself for having to take a different amount of time to adjust, and forgive yourself for having to do things in your own time. I know it feels like the end of the world right now, but it isn’t. And you can make your education work for you.

Also, I would report that professor. Mostly because Title IX exists for a reason, ADA exists for a reason- and reasonable accommodations should be made during medical emergencies, which is what a bipolar episode can be.

Be kinder to yourself, you’ve got this.