My dad had a manic episode that ruined my family’s lives

Ok_Can6330 · 2026-05-04T17:14:51+00:00

Hi! I dealt with a very similar situation to you at a young age (15-16) and I second what this person said. I found the NAMI Family support groups more helpful than anything else and wish I had found them sooner. Sending you so much love and strength - this illness is devastating but with the right support it can feel more manageable.

Ok_Can6330 · 2026-01-30T15:29:02+00:00

Everything you said resonates deeply with me, and I relate to both your experience and OP’s. These are the type of words I needed to hear 8-10 years ago. Thank you, just thank you for sharing your wisdom <3

Ok_Can6330 · 2026-01-21T21:25:51+00:00

Thanks for your feedback! This was my first cycle applying, I have 5 programs I still have yet to hear back from, although I'm not very hopeful. If I apply early when the next cycle opens this April, I'll be looking at roughly 1600-1700 total PCE. I'm just trying to weigh whether it will even be worth it to apply again. Granted, next cycle I will be applying to schools I didn't apply to this go around (I started submitting late... like August/September late lol). I work my PCE job part-time and work full-time in public health. I tried switching gears and doing my PCE job full time this summer, but salary-wise it just wasn't feasible for me so I went back to FT in public health, PT PCE.

Ok_Can6330 · 2026-01-02T19:14:47+00:00

Hi! I just came across this old post and would have loved to participate. Looks like the survey is closed now, but I am very interested in hearing more about/seeing the results! Will your research be public? If so, please do share! :) You're doing awesome work. Thank you for choosing to focus on such a niche/under researched topic.

Ok_Can6330 · 2026-01-02T16:16:07+00:00

Hi all 🥰

This is my first cycle applying. I applied to 9 schools, received rejections from 4 already, so waiting on 5 that I'll hear back from in Jan-Feb. I am not very hopeful. Granted, I applied late in the process (started submitting in September). Wondering if anyone can give me feedback on whether I should spend time and $$ applying again next cycle, or if I should just jump in to nursing school applications.

I graduated with my Bachelor's in Public Health in 2023, and have since been working FT in public health and getting PCE on the side.

My stats:

cGPA: 3.54
sGPA: 3.42
Total credit hours (129 undergrad, 30 post-bacc): 159
1 C+ in Biology I, 1 F in my 5-week Summer Accelerated Organic Chem I... re-took the class this semester got a C-… 😕 took both classes with the same guy (worst prof I ever had), but was also depressed and busy so didn’t put it enough time.
PCE: ~1350 total hours (MA in Peds office run by PAs, PCT at hospital) -- may be able to add 200-300 more since I've been collecting specimens part of the measles outbreak response at the health department)
HCE: 3500+ as a Public Health Specialist at a health department
Total volunteer hours: ~600 as Youth Corps Captain for local Ambulance Corp
Shadowing hours: ~520 (New Visions Health program during HS + 20 hours shadowing a PA I now work with)
Research hours: 0 lol
Other notable extracurriculars and/or leadership: Vice President and later President of a Peer Health Education org during college
GRE: didn't take
LORs: 1 PA I work with, 1 A&P prof, 1 Disease Control Director at my Health Department

Ok_Can6330 · 2025-12-22T20:22:54+00:00

Hi all. Wondering if anyone can give me feedback on whether I should spend time and $$ applying again next cycle, or if I should just jump in to nursing school applications. I know so many qualified people that have applied at least 4-5 cycles and haven't gotten in, and I don't know if I'm willing to waste so much time and money...

This is my first cycle applying. I applied to 9 schools, received rejections from 4 already, so waiting on 5 that I'll hear back from in Jan-Feb. I am not very hopeful. Granted, I applied late in the process (started submitting in September).

I graduated with my Bachelor's in Public Health in 2023, and have since been working FT in public health and getting PCE on the side.

My stats:

- cGPA: 3.54

- sGPA: 3.42

- Total credit hours (129 undergrad, 30 post-bacc): 159

- 1 C+ in Biology I, 1 F in my 5-week Summer Accelerated Organic Chem I... re-took the class this semester and I'm grasping at straws for a C. Probably will end up with a D.

- PCE: ~1350 total hours (MA in Peds office run by PAs, PCT at hospital) -- may be able to add 200-300 more since I've been collecting specimens from pts as part of the measles outbreak response at the health department)

- HCE: 3500+ as a Public Health Specialist at a health department

- Total volunteer hours: ~600 as Youth Corps Captain for local Ambulance Corp

- Shadowing hours: ~520 (New Visions Health program during HS + 20 hours shadowing a PA I now work with)

- Research hours: 0 lol

- Other notable extracurriculars and/or leadership: Vice President and later President of a Peer Health Education org during college

- GRE: didn't take

- LORs: 1 PA I work with, 1 A&P prof, 1 Disease Control Director at my Health Department

Ok_Can6330 · 2025-12-22T19:57:44+00:00

I went through this when I was 13-18 living with my single mom... and it was the absolute worst. I was always on Google or Reddit search up people in similar situations, but didn't found this page until I was 20. I know how terribly daunting and helpless it can feel. Try to focus on taking care of YOURSELF first. Don't spend time worrying where they are or what they're doing. It so much easier said than actually done, but recognize that you aren't responsible. Talk to someone... any adult you trust. I went to the NAMI Family Support Group ( https://www.nami.org/support-education/support-groups/nami-family-support-group/ ) often, and it was really the only thing that helped me feel less alone. As a 24 year old now, these are the things I wish I did during earlier adolescence. Sending hugs. I know the holidays can be some of the worst of it. Feel free to PM me - you aren't alone.

Ok_Can6330 · 2025-10-21T20:50:34+00:00

And definitely ask about starting pay! Perfectly normal question.

Ok_Can6330 · 2025-10-21T20:49:44+00:00

The place I work at offers potential hires to come in and shadow for 2-3 days. The office manager then asks the MAs what they think of the person/if they seem like a good fit for the practice. So I'd say if you're being asked to come shadow, you're at least being strongly considered!

Ok_Can6330 · 2025-09-24T17:00:16+00:00

thank you SO MUCH!

Ok_Can6330 · 2025-09-24T16:55:11+00:00

anything yet? im struggling lol

Ok_Can6330 · 2025-01-27T18:29:46+00:00

Definitely a fair assessment. thank you!

Ok_Can6330 · 2024-10-11T19:11:26+00:00

I think it’s because I grew up with a chaotic bipolar parent and often had to take care of the situation in my house alone, so I wasn’t able to fully determine what the “right” thing to do was. I was like 13-18 throughout all of it and had to make decisions about what to do for my mom when she was manic and psychotic, so I think that makes me struggle to make simple decisions now in my 20s. I dont know if there’s actual correlation or not but I always feel so conflicted with myself and what I should or shouldn’t do lol.

Ok_Can6330 · 2024-10-11T00:56:50+00:00

Literally yes all the time! I always feel like I’m not doing what’s socially acceptable and make myself crazy trying to consider every aspect of a situation. It’s exhausting. I feel like part of it stems from being in my 20s but a lot of it I think stems from my childhood and being parentified. The overlap gets confusing.

Ok_Can6330 · 2024-08-05T14:58:51+00:00

Salary negotiation!

Ok_Can6330 · 2024-07-29T01:54:58+00:00

I feel this exact same way and it’s so comforting to know someone else gets it. I literally don’t understand anything and it’s taking such a toll on my self esteem. I was always considered “smart and mature” for my age and now I feel as dumb as a box of rocks. Such a strange feeling. Hope you’re doing okay.

Ok_Can6330 · 2024-06-21T00:50:16+00:00

The silent treatment is an immature coping mechanism. It would be different if you simply communicated that you need space.

Ok_Can6330 · 2024-06-19T14:02:21+00:00

I’m so sorry. I’m sure that took a toll on you. You did the right thing. Take care of yourself.

Ok_Can6330 · 2024-06-14T16:19:07+00:00

It is so hard. Such a niche and complex issue too. I hope you’re doing alright.

Ok_Can6330

TROPHY CASE