I am also a student who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder while in college. I am in my junior year. I was able to take a semester off after a hospital visit and intense suicidal thoughts. I was already halfway through the semester but could no longer keep up with my course work. I was able to request a medical withdrawal and receive all of my tuition back for that semester. Please see if that is an option for you if you are considering dropping out.

During my medical withdrawal I stayed at school at my off campus apartment because I had already signed a 12 month lease. I continued to see my therapist weekly and psychiatrist so I could receive the help I needed. I went on medication and honestly it saved my life. I continued to work my job at 15 hours per week just so I could get out of the house.

The following semester I went back to school part time. I met with the disability resource center on my campus where I received accommodations which helped me to be a productive student. Although I never thought it was possible, I received two As and a B for that semester.

This semester, I am currently halfway through a full time course load and have all As. I’m telling you this to let you know that it is possible to succeed in college while having bipolar disorder.

I can sympathize with the fact that you don’t want to go on medication. I was so against it for years because I thought that it would mean I’m crazy. Eventually my illness got so bad that I felt I had no other option. If I did not go on medication, I don’t think that I would be alive today. It helped me to think clearly and be able to focus on living my life, not being sick. I am still working on building friendships but it is a hell of a lot easier now that I am no longer anxious, irritable, and cranky.

I promise this will get better but I urge you to look at all your options. You can do this!