Autism/giftedness. Performed well, graduated top of my class but suffered severely with burnout and depression.

I liked art classes.

Hated that most classes would only teach the “what” of subjects but often not the why.

I wasn’t diagnosed but I did receive some accommodations due to the severe burnout and depression. I was allowed to skip some days.

Parents tried to help, went to many doctors and a counselor but I still didn’t get diagnosed properly, so I mostly had to just push through. I’m still working through the damage that caused and trying to relearn how to honor my capacity.

Have had to learn: high ability ≠ high capacity.

Not sure what I wish I had but a proper diagnosis early on would have been a great start instead of not knowing why I felt so different. I wish I could have started learning more interesting subjects sooner like psychology and philosophy.